New MOU streamlines shift differential, OT for DOC members

Workloads have never been heavier for MAPE members working in Dept. of Corrections (DOC) facilities across the state. The pandemic has created staffing shortages, worker fatigue and a constant juggle of staff being “healthy enough” to come to work. A new memorandum of understanding (MOU) negotiated by MAPE’s DOC Statewide Meet and Confer Committee will mean a little additional financial compensation for DOC members going above and beyond, most of whom are not looking for an extra buck, but desire to help their colleagues.

For Elana Brunner, a case manager at the Faribault prison, heading out on the floor after her regular 10-hour shift or working overnights on her days off is something she does to help her correctional officer (CO) colleagues who are drowning in a facility that’s short 50 officers.

“Since COVID, we’re so short staffed that officers work normal 8-hour shifts and then they’re forced to work the next 8-hour shift, too,” Brunner said. “ When officers are forced to work double shifts every five days, that creates burnout and mental health concerns.”

Seeing the fatigue across the prison, MAPE members in the Faribault and Moose Lake facilities asked their wardens and supervisors if those with security or CO backgrounds could volunteer to help out by covering unfilled CO shifts. Leadership agreed. 

Since March 2020 when COVID-19 first hit correctional facilities in Minnesota, Chrissy Gamst, a case manager at Moose Lake, has also been on the frontlines picking up CO shifts while navigating countless uncertainties COVID brought.

“My Unit 35 was ground zero for the first correctional facility to be hit and we were hit hard. I knew early things were going to be different and our normal would no longer be normal,” Gamst said. “I worked doubles, picking up third watch CO shifts whenever I could; changing into my uniform after work and hitting the floor alongside our COs.”

MAPE’s DOC Statewide Meet and Confer Team worked on an MOU that would allow for DOC employees like Brunner and Gamst to get time-and-a-half while voluntarily picking up CO shifts. The MOU also fills a pay gap that occurred for MAPE members working OT on holidays. The MOU will standardize the way OT and pay differential are administered across all DOC facilities.

“AFSCME, MMA and MAPE have come together in a way I'm really proud of. Our DOC family is coming together in a team effort here,” Gamst said about the MOU. “We need to keep the ship afloat and we know it’s the line staff keeping this ship afloat.”

DOC recently approved the MOU, sending it to a legislative subcommittee for final approval in January.

“I’m grateful our administration and MMB are in support of the MOU so we can continue to resolve this problem so we don’t continue to lose staff,” Gamst said. “This was done expeditiously; that says the administration is taking it seriously and they understand it’s helpful.”

Brunner said after a “crushing two years” in DOC, this MOU is a little ray of light for her and her colleagues navigating difficult times.

“In the big picture it’s not about the money, but if you're going to help out it’s nice to get compensated for your time and effort,” she added. “This MOU will simplify the process and communication between working overtime and getting compensated, too.”