Rep. Salinas Leads 28 Colleagues in Calling on the Bureau of Prisons to Restore Union Contracts

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) led 28 of her colleagues in urging the Bureau of Prisons to immediately restore the cancellation of the collective bargaining agreement between the Bureau of Prisons and its employees represented by the American Federation of Government Employees Council of Prison Locals 33.

The lawmakers wrote that these correctional officers and Bureau of Prisons employees put their safety on the line every day to protect our communities and work in high-stress and dangerous work environments.

The letter stresses that it is highly concerning that the BOP chose to terminate the agreement because it provided protection for workers and is essential to the safety, fairness, and stability of the federal prison system.

Click hereor see below for the full letter:

Dear Director Marshall:

We write to express deep concern regarding the recent cancellation of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and its employees represented by the American Federation of Government Employees Council of Prison Locals 33. This action is an unjustified attack on the rights of dedicated public servants who work in one of the most challenging and demanding professions in federal service, and we urge you to swiftly restore these workers' collective bargaining rights.

Correctional officers and BOP employees put their safety on the line every day to protect our communities. Given the high-stress and dangerous work environments, it is highly concerning that the BOP chose to terminate this CBA because it provided protection for workers. Specifically, the CBA ensured fair treatment, due process, a safe workplace, and a voice. BOP's termination of this CBA undermines morale, weakens institutional accountability, and jeopardizes the safety and security of both staff and inmates.

Union representation at the BOP has long contributed to safer working conditions, improved staffing protocols, and better training. These protections enhance public safety, as well as help to retain experienced staff, reduce costly turnover, and minimize the need for excessive overtime. Furthermore, the union plays a proactive role in preventing workplace disputes, injuries, and potential legal liabilities-promoting efficiency and transparency within the agency.

We urge the BOP to immediately restore this union contract and reinstate vital collective bargaining rights that are essential to the safety, fairness, and stability of the federal prison system. Protecting the rights of federal workers is not just about honoring their service, it is about upholding the integrity of the institutions they serve.

We look forward to your prompt attention to this matter and commitment to restoring the full collective bargaining rights of BOP employees.

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