March 17, 2008
Texas: Brawl blamed on staffing shortage
One inmate was hospitalized. Eight other detainees and three staff members sustained minor injuries.
Correctional officer Clifton Buchanan, president of Local 1030 branch of the American Federation of Government Employees union, said the detention center needs more guards. Last month, he visited Washington, D.C., to share his concerns with Jackson Lee and other members of Congress.
"They're not funding us appropriately," he said Sunday outside the detention center. "There's a fear of retaliation or reprisal, and that's why we're reluctant to say anything."
The incident last week illustrates why employees have filed multiple grievances, allegations of unfair labor practices and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaints, he added. Buchanan said administrators followed only certain protocols last Tuesday, which resulted in the "misuse of staff, mismanagement of resources and lack of leadership."
LINK - Chron.com (The Houston Chronicle)
