By C1 Staff
JOHNSON CO., Ill. — Union workers at the Johnson County Jail say that decisions made by administrators are putting them in danger.
WSIL TV reports that an inmate made a threat against an officer and wasn’t disciplined.
“Through the disciplinary process, not only was his discipline reduced, but it was wiped out,” said Local Union President Michael Turner. “He was placed back into the population housing unit with zero discipline like nothing ever happened.”
The union has begun talks with the Deputy Chief of Operations and Chief of Labor in Springfield who are investigating the issue.
The Illinois Department of Corrections released a statement, where they said that safety and security were their main priorities.
Acting Director Donald Stolworthy has begun investigating system-wide problems, and has laid much of the blame at the union’s feet.
He recently wrote that union contracts contribute to “many of the ills within the system,” including personnel costs and qualifications within management.
Contract negotiations between the union and state are still ongoing; their next meeting is set for April 27. Union contracts expire in July.