By Mary Pickels
Tribune-Review
GREENSBURG, Pa. — Fayette County jail employees who are under investigation for violations will no longer be placed on paid leave.
The prison board on Wednesday agreed to adopt a policy that will compensate employees retroactively, should an investigation show they were not in violation.
Controller Sean Lally said that over the last seven months, the county has spent more than $24,000 on wages and taxes for paid suspensions.
The change to administrative policy will affect about 70 management and union staff, said county human resources director Dominick Carnicella.
“We have been paying payroll while people are on leave for investigations. They have been getting paid whether innocent or guilty. ... If we determine they are not at fault, we will retroactively pay them,” said Commissioner Vincent Zapotosky.
“There has to be something threatening the safety and security of the prison. That is the only time we recommend someone for investigation,” Carnicella said.
The change will go into effect immediately, he said.
United Mine Workers Local 9113 represents correction officers at the jail.
Local President Mike Hicks said he will present the policy to the UMW legal advisers for review.
“It’s an unfair policy to my members and to the workers of America,” he said.
Hicks compared the policy to being cited for a traffic violation and being required to pay a fine on the spot -- “and then hold the hearing three months from now,” he said.
“The spirit of the law says you are paid until an investigation is over,” he said.
A “mid-stream” policy change can affect guards who are under investigation and awaiting a decision. Until the “managing authority” meets and makes a decision, that person is “out there with no salary,” Hicks said.
Zapotosky urged that investigations be concluded as quickly as possible. Carnicella said, on average, investigations last two or three weeks.