Present Representing MAPE: Andy Lieffort, Cindy Kragenbring, Ralph Cornelia, Steve Staebler, Sue Opsahl, Deb Schadegg, Brian Rubenstein and Joe McMahon

Present representing the Dept. of Corrections: Dennis Benson, Erik Skon, Harley Nelson, David Crist and Carol Lynch

DOC Policy 103.221 Uniforms Attire and Personal Hygiene (Dress Code)

• MAPE discussed concerns with revisions that have been made with regard to this policy, specifically that the policy as currently written is unenforceable and is very subjective to interpretation.
• Field services staff are required to make work site visits in areas that are not clean office settings – turkey barns, garages, rendering plants, etc.
• Safety concerns regarding foot ware as defined by policy, requirements for staff to wear dress shoes which offer little traction
• Safety concerns about “standing out” in residential visits, the approach has always been to blend in with the surroundings to no draw unwanted attention to DOC staff or the offenders we are supervising

• MAPE presented alternative language to the current revision that we believe identifies the concerns raised by management.

• Deputy Commissioner Benson stated that intention of this revision was to define the parameters for appropriate dress in a professional work environment. There have been a minority (3%) of MAPE/DOC staff that has presented significant concerns with their attire the preceding policy were too vague to define the expectations of the appropriate dress. The DOC recognizes that current revision has some flaws. They intend to review the policy again taking into consideration the material presented by MAPE.

• Management directs MAPE employees to review the first sentence of the current revision as a guideline for use while the revision is underway – “While on the job or representing the department, all employees and long-term contractors are expected to maintain an appearance that promotes a positive and professional image.”

• MAPE will submit a memo detailing very specific issues and unanswered questions to Carol Lynch for consideration as they review the policy.

• MAPE advised management that they do not recognize the listed implementation date on the policy. In accordance with the MAPE contract Article 28 management must meet with the association prior to implementing a work rule change. MAPE will file a grievance for any discipline that has been issued as a result of this work rule change.