DOCS nurses in western NY
recharge and mobilize
PEF nurses who work at the state Department of Correctional Services (DOCS)
facilities in western New York have united to fight for more staffing, an
end to mandatory overtime and to achieve a geographic salary differential.
PEF Division 289 Council Leader Donna Baker has been the driving force
behind the mobilization effort and has worked diligently to motivate the
DOCS nurses to form an advocacy network, according to Tom Donahue, PEF
labor-management chair for DOCS and Executive Board member.
“We are not going to wait any longer for DOCS managers to address these
nursing issues,” Baker said. “These are issues nurses are passionate about,
and already I’ve seen a renewal of energy, commitment and determination
among some of the DOCS nurses.”
Nancy Wolff, PEF nurse organizer, said the mobilization effort among western
NY DOCS nurses may play a big role when it comes to getting bills passed to
create safe staffing levels in all facilities and to end mandatory overtime.
“Although PEF holds a nurses’ rally in the spring, it’s not too soon to
start building momentum. Every year, the rally grows in numbers. With the
support of more nurses in western New York, this could be the year we have
our voices heard and see results.”
If you would like to join the DOCS network of nurses and help mobilize
members, e-mail nwolff@pef.org, or
contact your regional coordinator.