Durbin, labor leaders confer on Thomson prison staffing

SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin spoke by phone with labor leaders about ongoing staffing challenges and the effects of the pandemic at the U.S. penitentiary at Thomson.

Council of Prison Locals Local 4070 President Jon Zumkehr and Council of Prison Locals North Central Regional Vice President Brian Mueller were on the call.

The pair provided Durbin with an update on retention and recruitment efforts at Thomson. The prison recently was empowered to engage in direct hiring and to offer some incentives, including a 10% retention bonus.

Earlier this year, Durbin, Sen. Tammy Duckworth and U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos had urged the Bureau of Prisons and the Office of Personnel Management to streamline the hiring process at the prison. The OPM still is reviewing the merits of a 25% retention bonus for correctional officers at Thomson.

According to a news release, leaders in the discussion voiced and addressed concerns about the stalled implementation of the First Step Act, as well as the inadequate policy guidance from BOP on properly implementing the law’s programming requirements. The First Step Act is a plan to address recidivism among prison populations, possibly by reducing prison populations.

The labor leaders also discussed access to COVID-19 testing and the need to increase vaccinations for inmates and prison staff.

“COVID-19 has jeopardized the health and placed undeniable strain on staff and inmates at USP Thomson,” Durbin said in the release. “With staffing shortages and unclear, delayed guidance from BOP and OPM, Local 4070 is doing its best to improve conditions and safety for inmates and staff.”