Waterbury, VT – The Vermont Department of Corrections (DOC) today announced a new agreement between DOC and the Vermont State Employees’ Association, Inc., designed to expand the Department’s Stability and Sustainability Plan, provide targeted pay enhancements for security staff and senior officers, and continue DOC’s 50/50 Work-Life Balance Schedule of 12-hour shifts for seven of 14 days in a pay period.
The agreement expands upon the July 2022 agreement that increased compensation for facility staff and transitioned scheduling to decrease mandated overtime.
Since the Stability and Sustainability Plan took effect, DOC’s security staff vacancy rate has steadily decreased from over 30% to 23%; the Vermont Correctional Academy graduated four classes for a total of 130 new correctional officers; retention of new employees has improved to 80%; and staff surveys show improved satisfaction at facilities with the 50/50 Work-Life Balance Schedule in place.
“Our efforts to stabilize the corrections workforce are proving effective, but we are still in just the opening chapter,” said Nicholas J. Deml, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Corrections. “Stabilization alone is not enough. We need a sustainable corrections system that invests in the wellness of our staff and creates rewarding and diverse career opportunities. This agreement is another positive step in designing and building the corrections workforce for the future.”
The agreement signed Thursday is retroactively effective to March 26, 2023 and will end in June 2024.
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