The SEIU attempted to raid the Teamsters’ NH DOC bargaining group that consists of correctional officers and corporals. The attempt was spearheaded by the superior officers’ unit which include sergeants, lieutenants and captains. The SEIU suggested to our members that they could do a better job representing their interests when, in fact, the SEIU has consistently fallen short of even matching the contractual benefits that the Teamsters have successfully negotiated for our officers and corporals. Some examples include that in a previous contract, the Teamsters negotiated double time for officers for any overtime exceeding 16 hours in a week. Many of our members were working 32-40 hours a week in overtime. The SEIU did not successfully negotiate that language in their contract. The Teamsters contract allows for officers to call in sick with no negative impact on the overtime worked; the SEIU loses overtime worked if they call in an unscheduled sick day. In a previous contract, the Teamsters negotiated a raise of 4% & 4% at a time when the SEIU received 0% and 0%. The SEIU’s attempt to raid the Teamsters was framed by a Captain as members were seeking the assistance of the SEIU. That assertion was a total fabrication and the SEIU attempted to influence the membership by bringing in donuts and candy. The Teamsters delivered strong contracts so that our members can purchase whatever food products they desire.
Jeff Padellaro stated after the vote, “The SEIU’s feeble attempt to raid our members was doomed from the onset. It was not an organic movement from within the membership; it was an attempt by another bargaining unit to gain more influence for their own bargaining advantage. The superior officers have consistently attempted to remove themselves from forced overtime while receiving the benefits bargained for by the Teamsters. They had nothing to offer our members and certainly could not use the SEIU contract as an example of success. We have a cadre of Stewards who are trained and equipped to professionally represent our members at any time. We have an attorney that is present at the facilities on a weekly basis who was once a certified correctional officer prior to becoming a police officer. I want to thank our Teamster Stewards and members for their continued support as we enter into bargaining with the state.”
