| Prison Workers' EEOC Complaints Settled |
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| Settlement |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 14, 2003
Contact:
Perrin Damon, DOC Communications Mgr., 503-945-0925
perrin.p.damon@state.or.us
Don Loving, AFSCME Public Affairs Director, 503-887-2713
dloving@afscmecn75.com
The Department of Corrections, the Oregon Chapter of American Federal of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 75 and 20 female correctional officers working at Snake River Correctional Institution in Ontario today resolved complaints of hostile work environment, gender discrimination and sexual harassment that were filed with the EEOC approximately two years ago.
Snake River Correctional Institution is the largest state prison in Oregon. It has a capacity of 3,000 inmate supervised by 1,000 staff. In reaching a settlement, the parties recognize the challenges facing female staff and management in a prison of this size.
The agreement involves both monetary and non-monetary considerations without an admission of liability. Significantly, it establishes procedures for resolving future complaints.
"The Department of Corrections takes these complaints seriously," said Interim Director Ben de Haan. "We are pleased that the parties were able to come to a resolution that will, ultimately, improve the working environment for all employees."
"AFSCME Oregon Council 75, which represents more than 22,000 workers in Oregon, is committed to eliminating sexual harassment and gender discrimination from the workplace," said Ken Allen, executive director of the union. "Today´s agreement is an important milestone toward the achievement of that goal in the Corrections Department."
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