DOC/AFSCME LABOR MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

NOVEMBER 13, 2007

1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

DOC CENTRAL OFFICE

Members Present: Patt Adair, Anita Alexander, Jim Barbo, Al Bednar, Terry Carlson, Jerry Firkus, Sid Helseth, Tim Henderson, Mike Hermerding, Rick Hillengass, John Hillyard, Rob Jacobs, Connie Jones, Mike Keapproth, Eric Langworthy, Michelle Lehman, Terry Lusk, Carol Lynch, Rich Meyer, Becky Price, Chuck Skare, Erik Skon, Greg Smith, Jessica Symmes, and Otis Zanders

Guest: Dennis Benson Recorder: Margaret Miller

Review/Approval of 2/13/07 Meeting Minutes – Minutes were approved after some discussion regarding SORT physicals. Erik Skon and Connie Jones will review and clarify.

DOC, Legislative & Bonding Updates – Dennis Benson outlined the department’s bonding requests - $16,341 million for the MCF-FRB expansion (highest priority). He explained that, due to population projections, the last building (180 beds) will not be built at this time and the $16,341 million will be used for construction of intake and the loading area. Asset preservation is the second priority and we have requested $22,090 million for preventive maintenance at the facilities. Other bonding initiatives include a fence at the MCF-SHK; completion of the perimeter fence project at the MCF-SCL; a vocational building at the MCF-RW; predesign for a transitional care unit (TCU) at one of the medium-custody facilities; expansion design at the MCF-SHK; and a wind turbine project at the MCF-OPH. Total requested is $57,577 million.

The DOC is looking at contracting with additional county jails for placement of the parole violators.

Dennis indicated transitioning HOF offenders back into DOC facilities would be a slow growth process for obvious safety reasons.

Mike Hermerding indicated he had responded to the correspondence regarding funding for food services.

New Hires – Universal Physical Fitness Hiring Process – The department is currently working on this initiative and anticipates having a recommendation by April, 2008. The department has the same physical standards for job classifications, but the contracted occupational health clinics have varying assessment processes.

Sick Leave Call-ins – Universal Form and Allowable Questions –Each facility has its own call-in form that is used in the watch center. Hence, different questions are asked of staff when they call in. It was agreed this should be consistent. The Union will provide two or three names of individuals to work on a subcommittee charged with developing a form for department-wide use. Carol Lynch will facilitate this.

Fit for Duty Policy – The Union raised a question regarding the extent of medical information that would be available to the employer when an employee was required to be assessed by the Department’s health care provider prior to returning to work. The intent was that the medical information would be limited to the medical reason the employee was off work. It was not intended to be invasive nor require complete disclosure of past medical history and is clear in the DOC policy. HR (either Connie Jones or Carol Lynch) will review the DOC’s health care provider’s release form to determine if the release is consistent with DOC’s intent. This is likely the source of the cause for concern.

Another question was raised regarding the pay status of an employee in the situation above. It was agreed that if the employee was already out sick, the employee should continue to use sick leave (if the situation is appropriate for the use of sick leave) until a medical opinion is provided. If the employee was not off work using sick leave at the time of the request, other leave options will be explored and will vary depending upon the specific facts and circumstances.

Vacation Slots/Bidding – This issue is related to an officer transferring to a new watch, thereby leaving a vacation slot on the previously held watch. The concern raised by the Union is that at some facilities the vacation slot was posted and at other facilities it was not. Consistency in this practice is requested. Carol Lynch will gather information about each facility’s practice. Erik Skon indicated this issue will be discussed at the wardens/superintendent’s meeting in November.

COII and COIII Promotions – Before July 1, 2006 - The Union raised concerns regarding step placement /wage earned for CO3 who were recently promoted. With the addition of the new steps at the top of the CO ranges, some CO2s were earning more money than the CO3s who were supervising them. Unfortunately, this may happen for a short period of time because of the agreement to add another step to the top of the CO2 and CO3 ranges. Attempts are made in bargaining to make the implementation of new steps at the top of the range in a manner that is as fair as possible. Approval of additional steps for CO2s promoted to CO3s has been consistently administered.

Staff Notification of Their Personal Information in Possession of an Offender – Several examples of offenders having personal information of employees were given. Staffs wish to be informed when the department discovers that offenders are in possession of employee’s personal information. This is currently being done. The First Report of Injury form has significant personal data on the form. This initiative will be brought to the attention of the policy chair with a request to work with the captain’s group to revise the policy language.

Staff Assaults/Offender Prosecutions – Sid Helseth requested to be notified about staff assaults - perhaps in the form of a monthly report. He would appreciate better communication. Dennis will talk to Cari and the warden’s group regarding this priority initiative.

Rumor Control – Erik Skon’s replacement has not been selected yet, but information should be coming soon. Erik thanked the group for working hard to resolve issues. He has been on this committee for almost 11 years and will miss the interaction with the group.

Discussion on the attire (dress code) policy recently revised/clarified.

Next meeting is scheduled for February 19, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at AFSCME.