The third day of the scheduled five-day interest arbitration hearing has passed.

On Wednesday, the arbitrator heard testimony from Sarah Hinkel, a Senior Research Analyst from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Economics and Contract Department. Ms. Hinkel presented information about our compensation proposal, staffing model, and overtime rates among different classifications. Having access to her expert opinion is a valuable resource that is uniquely available to our DOC Teamsters.

The State brought forward witnesses as well. Among them was Tana Southerland, DOC Prison Staffing Manager. She mentioned, among other things, that the DOC is not expecting any layoffs due to the unit closures that are occurring across the State. Todd Dowler, the Director of Human Resources, testified about the 5% wage increases that WMS and EMS received on November 1st last year, which was incredible to hear since that was the same time many of you were being subjected to mandatory furloughs.

Notably, many of the State’s witnesses couldn’t help but acknowledge that all of you need and deserve pay raises, especially through the challenging time of the pandemic.

Your bargaining committee is working long, tireless hours to represent you and your co-workers at the DOC in the best and most powerful manner.

View a brief update of the third day of the hearing from Sheryl Green (RN2, AHCC) and Becky HaneyNixon (CC3, WSP):

We will continue to provide you with an update as the arbitration hearing proceeds.