Posts tagged American Federation of Government Employees Local 919
Leavenworth prison union says staffing shortages are the real cause of ongoing ‘lockdown’
April 15, 2024 // Russ Gildner, union president for the American Federation of Government Employees Local 919, said the prison is understaffed by about 30 positions. He said by going into emergency operations, prison leaders can bypass the union’s contract and order staff, like counselors and other positions, to serve as prison guards. “Staff that work in education and recreation,” Gildner said, “are being reassigned and are performing work as officers.” Gildner said that means that the prison is not currently offering programs like educational classes during the lockdown. That contradicts previous statements from prison officials that said inmates still have access to those programs amid the investigation.