THOMSON, Ill. — Labor leaders are calling on the Federal Bureau of Prisons director to not remove a 25% retention bonus for correctional officers at USP Thomson, according to a press release.
Jon Zumkher, president of USP Thomson's union, informed News 8 that the director of BOP, Colette Peters, has requested to have the retention bonus cut from employees' pay. That request is currently being reviewed and if it goes through, the 25% retention bonus would end on Dec. 31 of this year.
"She (Peters) sent one of our regional directors down to tell the staff we had a mission change and they plan on removing the retention," Zumkeher said. He added that this happened in September.
The 25% retention bonus was implemented back in 2021 to help with significant staff shortages at the prison and was fought for extensively by union leaders and local congressional leaders including Sen. Dick Durbin, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, former Rep. Cheri Bustos and former Rep. Dave Loebsack.
Even with the bonus, Zumkher said that 203 staff members have left in the past two years with two people quitting this week alone. He added that 28 members are awaiting transfers to other facilities and 147 would leave if the bonus is taken away.
"It doesn't make any sense," Zumkher said. "Why you would remove something when it's not enough the way it is now....you want to take the retention bonuses, what's holding this place together. It's kind of like they want us to fail."
USP Thomson currently houses about 1,300 inmates, but Zumkher said another 1,000 inmates are expected to arrive at the prison since it switched to low security. It is unclear when this would occur.
"What do you think is going to happen if you remove that retention and add 1,000 new inmates?" Zumkher said. "Those are the questions that we want the director to understand. I don't know if people are giving her bad information, but she's not looking boots on the ground here."
Zumkher also informed News 8 that a new warden will be starting on Oct. 22.
Statements from labor leaders
AFGE National President Everett Kelley
“Our members at Thomson prison protect their communities and our nation every day while dealing with some of the most dangerous criminals in the country. They perform difficult, necessary work, which is one reason why recruiting is so difficult for these positions at Thomson prison. The Bureau of Prisons’ attempt to cut retention pay will only end up leading to more difficulties in hiring, a loss of existing staff, and will gravely insult the staff members who currently put their safety and health on the line to serve their country.”
AFGE District 7 National Vice President Jason Anderson
“In light of the concerning proposed pay cuts at United States Penitentiary Thomson, AFGE District 7 stands united, resolute, and unwavering in our commitment to protect the welfare of the dedicated staff of USP Thomson. We will continue to fight to preserve the integrity of USP Thomson and the welfare of its staff. We demand that Director Colette Peters cease any action that would reduce staff pay.”
National President of the Council of Prison Locals Brandy Moore White
“Offering retention bonuses will help to mitigate turnover rates, and create a more stable experienced law enforcement workforce. The Council of Prison Locals understands the agency always has concerns when considering retention bonuses however, the cost of turnover including recruiting, training and lost productivity, far exceeds the investment required for retention bonuses.”
President of AFGE 4070 Jon Zumkehr
“Over 33% of our current staff have already written to the union stating that they will have to leave Thomson Federal Prison if Director Peters’ cuts are implemented. This is at a time when our officers remain on the front-line working day in and out without fail; placing themselves in harm’s way. It is deeply troubling to ask them to sacrifice even more while the Federal Bureau of Prisons doubles the number of inmates at USP Thomson!”
Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea
“Over 33% of the current staff have already written to the union stating that they will have to leave USP Thomson if Director Peters' cuts are implemented. Setting up USP Thomson for success should be paramount for everyone at the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The employees at the Thomson Prison possess a deep understanding of the unique challenges (faced by the prison) and bring a high level of expertise to this institution.”
Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Corrections Lodge 263 President Scot Ward
“We are outraged that the Federal Bureau of Prisons is now considering a proposal to remove that incentive, which would be a slap in the face for the heroes who put their lives on the line every day to keep America's most dangerous felons behind bars. The Illinois FOP Corrections Lodge 263 unequivocally stands with AFGE Local 4070 members and strongly urges Director Peters to leave intact the pay for Thomson workers, who earn every penny of their hard-fought-for wages while doing a task that very few others could handle.”
President of the Quad City Federation of Labor Dan Gosa
“The Quad City Federation of Labor proudly stands in solidarity alongside our sisters and brothers who are fighting to keep their respective pay. Quality staff at the Federal Prison in Thompson, IL is critical for the safety of surrounding communities. Considering the dangerous working environment they have, staff at the prison are already underpaid. The Federal Bureau of Prisons Director should keep their pay as is – or consider increasing their compensation, not cutting it!"
Congressman Eric Sorensen (D) IL-17
"It is critical that workers at Thomson prison are given the resources that they and their families need to succeed. I strongly oppose any attempt to cut their retention pay and stand with labor leaders as they fight for pay protection and better wages."
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