BRIDGEPORT, W.Va (WDTV) – Federal Agencies have approved a retention pay incentive for staff of FCC Hazelton.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) approved a 25% retention pay incentive for all staff in good standing at West Virginia’s Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) Hazelton.
“I have repeatedly called on BOP and OPM to approve this 25 percent retention incentive for all staff in good standing at FCC Hazelton and I’m pleased to announce its approval today. The facility has long suffered from severe staffing shortages, especially of Correctional Officers, that have resulted in a hostile environment for both employees and inmates. This pay incentive is much-deserved for current employees and will help recruit new qualified officers and staff, which will promote safer conditions for employees and inmates,” said Senator Joe Manchin. “There is still much more we can do, including advancing my Federal Prison Oversight Act, and I will continue working to deliver commonsense solutions for FCC Hazelton and all federal prisons.”
The bump in pay comes after multiple reports on conditions in the prison, even a report from the DOJ claiming that FCC Hazleton is the second deadliest prison in the country; namely due to practices such as “augmentation”, wherein non-CO staff were required to work as Corrections Officers.
“Hazleton Local 420 and its members are grateful that the 25% retention has been approved. This retention incentive is another step in addressing the staffing crisis at FCC Hazelton by retaining the qualified and experienced staff at this institution. The Correctional Officers and workers have been carrying the burden of forced overtime for far too long and are truly deserving of this incentive. Local 420 is thankful for all of the time and effort that Senator Manchin and his office has performed in addressing the staffing crisis at FCC Hazelton, and for continuing to help make the institution safer for the staff, inmates, and surrounding community,” said Justin Tarovisky, Head of American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 420.
Prior Coverage:
Rep. Mooney joins in call for increased staff pay at FCC Hazelton
Sen. Manchin calling for increased staff pay at FCC Hazelton
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