LOCAL
Arbitrator: DOC must reinstate 4 Monroe correctional employees
The following is from Teamsters Local 117:
“The arbitrator’s ruling clearly demonstrates that the DOC imposed unfair discipline on its employees in the wake of this terrible tragedy,” said Tracey A. Thompson, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 117.
In his July 7 award, Arbitrator Michael E. Cavanaugh, J.D. ruled that the DOC did not have “just cause” to terminate three correctional officers nor did the Department have “just cause” to demote one correctional sergeant.
Arbitrator Cavanaugh’s ruling orders the DOC to immediately reinstate and make whole the three discharged correctional officers for lost wages and benefits. The demoted correctional sergeant must be reinstated to his former position and be made whole.
In reaching his conclusions, the arbitrator repeatedly referenced a Washington State Labor & Industries report of the incident that describes a “culture of complacency” at the facility and a failure by the DOC management to enforce policies and procedures designed to keep its employees safe. The National Institution of Corrections had also issued a report making numerous recommendations to correct serious systemic safety problems.
For more information, visit Teamsters Local 117’s website.
See more coverage of this story in The (Everett) Herald and The Seattle Times.