LOCAL 118—Assistant Chief Probation Officers
Gov. Patrick Aims to Roll Probation into Executive Branch
January 28, 2010
In the unveiling of his FY11 state budget on Wednesday (Jan. 27), Governor Deval Patrick announced a proposal to merge probation with parole into a new department of "community supervision," which would take many probation officers out of the Trial Courts and move them under the Executive Office of Public Safety (EOPS), where the parole department currently resides.
The governor and supporters of his proposal say the move will save the state between $15 and $40 million over the next several years. It will also, they say, eliminate what they view as rampant patronage within probation hiring.
While the just-released 99-page merger proposal has not yet been thoroughly reviewed by National President David J. Holway, he took immediate offense to the allegations of widespread patronage. Commenting on the radio station WBUR, President Holway criticized the governor's offensive remarks by advising him to review his own hiring and appointment practices before painting a negative broad brush against the probation department.
"There is probably no greater abuse of patronage hiring than within the governor's own management ranks, and I ask the governor to look into his own house for cleaning before asking others to clean theirs," Holway said.
President Holway met this morning with the Local 229 Executive Board to discuss the merger proposal. He has also contacted Lt. Gov. Tim Murray and A&F Secretary Jay Gonzalez to schedule a meeting so that he and Local 229 and Local 118 officials can determine exactly what's a stake in the merger.
While discussions are ongoing, we ask members to review the proposal and let us know what you think. Is the proposal to move probation out of the Trial Courts and into the Executive Branch a good idea or a bad deal? Please submit your comments by clicking the appropriate link below.
Review the governor's proposal
Click here to submit your comments and let us know if you think the merger idea is a good idea, a bad deal, or something you need to think about in more depth.
Probation Furloughs Canceled as Legislature Overrides Budget Cuts
November 19, 2009
We have received confirmation from the Administrative Office of the Trial Court that the furlough program affecting NAGE members in the probation department has been canceled. Furloughs are no longer necessary because the state legislature overrode the governor's veto of $4.1 million in the budget for the Office of the Commissioner of Probation.
The NAGE lobbying team put in a tremendous effort working with legislators to make the override a reality. John O'Brien, the commissioner of probation, also deserves our thanks for his hard work on the restoration of these funds. But the biggest thanks should go to you and your fellow members. We couldn't have convinced House and Senate members to restore funds to OCP without your frequent calls and emails to your legislators.
THANK YOU for your efforts, and thank your fellow probation members for theirs.
At NAGE Request, AOTC and OCP Modify Furlough Program
November 2, 2009
At the request of National President David Holway, AOTC and OCP have agreed to modify the furlough program that probation officers and assistant chief probation officers voted to participate in. As you know, ballots were counted Friday, October 30, and the vote in favor of accepting furloughs will save 75 probation jobs.
The approved plan allows probation officers and assistant chief probation officers to choose one of the following options:
OPTION 1 (Work with no pay, but receive compensatory vacation days)
You may take one furlough day per pay period for eight consecutive pay periods, but you will work on your furlough day for no pay. In exchange for the eight furlough days you work for no pay, you will receive eight additional vacation days (which is similar to the original proposal). Your furloughs will commence the pay period ending November 21, 2009.
OPTION 2 ("No work no pay")
You may choose to go off payroll for eight days with no pay (no work no pay). This option is subject to management's discretion and the operational needs of your particular court.
This program impacts only this particular budget deficit.
Again, we would like to thank AOTC and OCP for modifying the furlough program in acknowledgement of the selflessness of the membership who voted to stick together with their brothers and sisters during these difficult economic times. This vote shows that you are placing the priorities of your coworkers above your own while demonstrating what being a union member is all about.
New Seniority List
July 14, 2009
If you believe the date the Trial Court has for your seniority is incorrect, please fill out the appeal form (below), and send the form and a copy of corroborating evidence (e.g., appointment letter, promotion letter) to the address on the appeal form, or fax it to 617-376-0469 Attn: Laurie Connors.
Assistant Chief Probation Officers Seniority (updated July 2009)
Assistant Chief Probation Officer Seniority Instructions
Assistant Chief Probation Officer Seniority Appeal Form