Welcome to the President's page.
Recently I had the privilege of traveling to Washington D.C. to lobby for additional funding for the BOP. While there, I was able to make several contacts in Senator Byrd's office, as well as Representative Mollohan's. I was also fortunate enough to get insight into what happens when our people testify before the Sub Committee, as our National Legislative Coordinator Phil Glover did that day. As the day concluded, I had the honor to discuss several local issues with Mr. Glover and CPL 33 President Bryan Lowry. They were shocked, to say the least, at some of the issues we face at Morgantown daily. We talked about the denail of a staff rep, the threats that occur regularly, denying union training as it wasn't on the individual's training needs assessment, the bullying that takes place and the overall resistance to the union at Morgantown. What I walked away from that meeting knowing is that we have a great resource available to us. Not only is our Regional VP, Dwayne Person, willing to come down here to get involved, as he has on several occassions, but the Nationl President is willing to get involved as well. Mr. Lowry, who has known Warden Philips from prior institutions, called the Warden personally and attempted to settle the upcoming arbitration. It is a good feeling to know we have that type of backing.
Speaking of the arbitration, obviously the Agency refused to settle, as the hearing has come and gone. Dwayne did an excellent job in presenting our case and on several occassions had the Agency stammering and stuttering, trying to figure out what they could do to recover. When the smoke cleared, Dwayne was able to get Agency witnesses, to include a "subject matter expert", and I use the term loosley, to strengthen our case by demonstrating their lack of one. Now, no one will know for several weeks how the arbitrator will rule, but I am confident in the case Dwayne presented.
Again, many thanks to Dwayne. He has been instrumental in helping to put our local back on the map. Dwayne is very knowledgable and has been more than willing to share that knowledge. He attended our local meeting the night before the arbitration and answered many questions bargaining unit staff had. Due to the limitations that have been placed on our use of the government computer, we were not able to get the word out in time to everyone, but we did have a pretty good turn out. Thanks to those that came and those that were not able to attend but understood the short notice.
Don't be confused by the Agency's rhetoric. If was not for the union's bringing national attention to issues at the local level, meeting with representatives, attending trainings, lobbying Congress, etc., the Agency would continue their attempts to silence the voice of the staff that make the BOP run....the bargaining unit staff. Director did not go to Congress asking for more money, he was forced to testify about the dangerous situations being created in many institutions. The Union had provided the facts and Lappin had no choice...he was under oath. It was a clever move to attempt credit for it.
I want to say that I believe our body continues to grow stronger. Many will try to convince you otherwise, however, they have their own motives for doing such. If you do not believe that we are growing stronger, try to think back to a time when Management at Morgantown was reading the Master Agreement, when they were sending out the Supplemental Agreement to the Department Heads telling them to be familiar with it. When was the last time the Union presented during ART....or was even invited to attend the many meetings or sit on the committees they are entitled to have representation at/on? Why do you think the newsletter was started again? When was the last time the Union took Management to arbitration? Sure, a few have been scheduled, however, after illegal meetings with the individual that initially filed the grievance, it suddenly disappears and Management is once again let off the hook without anything on paper. When was the last time you had a voice or felt empowered? I encourage each and every one of you to look at the whole. You may not like our methods or even us, but one thing that cannot be denied is that we have the good of staff in mind each time we address an issue. Warden Phillips has been a good Warden to work with, however, he will be leaving and another will be coming in. Most of us, meaning the bargaining unit staff, are not going anywhere. Consequently, it is imperative that the system of balance we are attempting to create and maintian be monitored and enforced, when need be, at all times to ensure the continued protection of the rights of bargaining unit staff.
I continue to encourage you to get active. Our environment is only as good as we make it. We are only as strong as we choose to be.
To borrow a line from our National Fair Labor Coorindator....
"If there is no struggle, there is no progress"
Thank you for your continued support and patience.