(FBOP) - On February 29, 2024, Director Colette S. Peters hosted a listening session with the leaders of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Council of Prison Locals (CPL-33). What started as a planned listening session, transformed into an exchange of thoughts that delivered immediate results. Among the participants were national union leaders of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP), seizing the opportunity to voice their concerns on behalf of the 30,000-plus Bureau employees they represent.
In attendance were key figures Brandy Moore-White, Council President (Forrest City); Steve Markle, National Secretary-Treasurer (Terre Haute); William Boseman, National Vice President Women and Fair Practices (Retired); Frank Bailey, Northeast Regional Vice President (Loretto); Richard Heldreth, Mid-Atlantic Regional Vice President (Hazelton); Louis Davis, Southeast Regional Vice President (Estill); Josh Lepird, South Central Regional Vice President (El Reno); John Kostelnik, Western Regional Vice President (Victorville); and William Axford, North Central Regional Vice President (Rochester). Each CPL-33 representative shared insightful oral remarks, covering a spectrum of crucial topics relevant to FBOP employees.
Director Peters, expressing her deep appreciation for the positive relationship with the union and acknowledging the dedication of hard-working FBOP employees, actively engaged in the session. This collaborative atmosphere extended to her leadership team and members of the Office of Public Affairs, including William W. Lothrop, Deputy Director (Virtual); Kathleen T. Toomey, Associate Deputy Director; Seth Bogin and Rina Desai, Co-Chiefs of Staff; Jonathan Hemingway, Senior Deputy Assistant Director, Human Resource Management Division; Kristie Breshears, Director of Communication and Government Relations; Carl Bailey, Chief, Office of Public Affairs; Randilee Giamusso, Public Affairs Specialist; and Emery Nelson, Public Affairs Specialist.
The range of topics addressed during the session mirrored the diverse concerns of FBOP employees, encompassing morale, communication, pre-decisional involvement, responsiveness, First Step Act guidance, waivers, transition units, step-down units, contraband introduction, mail monitoring, reasonable accommodations, employee wellness, retention incentives, recruitment and hiring, and employee pay and pay scale increases.
Amidst these discussions, Director Peters took a moment to provide a strategic directive. Recognizing the challenges faced by the agency, Director Peters shared with the union she has directed the over-hiring of Correctional Officers, emphasizing the importance of this strategic approach. Even in institutions operating at full capacity, this proactive step will allow for the deployment of surplus employees to staffing challenged institutions, effectively providing much-needed support to fatigued and exhausted FBOP employees.
Following the session, Director Peters has committed to a collaborative effort with the union, responding positively to the ideas presented. This joint commitment ensures that the agency will witness positive changes based on the shared insights, solutions, and the targeted deployment of resources generated during this groundbreaking listening and brainstorming session.