Fed prison staff cuts blamed on Congress dangerous place to work

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.chieftain.com/metro/1160814745/6

By CHARLES ASHBY
CHIEFTAIN DENVER BUREAU

DENVER - Staffing levels at the federal prison near Florence that houses such people as Unabomber Ted Kaczynski and al-Qaida member Zacarias Moussaoui have become so low that it is a dangerous place to work, an arbitrator has ruled.

But the union that pushed for an arbitration over the matter isn't upset with Supermax administrators, who they say are doing the best job they can.

Instead, the union - joined by state Rep. Buffie McFadyen, D-Pueblo West - put the blame on Congress for not properly funding the prison.


Buffie McFadyen

"Over the past several years, we've been seeing a very powerful decrease in staffing levels at federal prisons across the United States," said Penrose resident Mike Schnobrich, legislative coordinator for the American Federation of Government Employees Local Union 1302.

"We've also been seeing an increase in inmate stress as well as other problems that have started to manifest itself because of these staffing levels," Schnobrich said.

"But this is not a labor-management issue. We're not beefing with our management on this. We strongly, truly believe that this is a staffing level (that) is directly related to funding and the Federal Bureau of Prisons."

Prison officials could not be reached for comment.

FULL story at link above.

[madrchsod]

1. npr last week---not enough people to read the mail

of the guys who are in jail for the first trade tower bombing and just a few who can work out the coded messages these guys are sending out. this is just one example of he cut backs that effects our safety from those across the spectrum who wish to terrorize this country. homeland security? ya right

[MadMaddie]

2. The dysfunction of the * administration and it's cut backs have

negatively impacted every Federal Organization....

these shortages and the impact on the prisoners are the catalyst that lead to prison hostage situations and killing of guards....

Where else have they cut money that is critical?