“I want to thank the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission for conducting this important survey. It highlights the serious problems our members face every day. For a long time, we have been pushing for better working conditions, fair pay, and essential support for our staff. Our members work hard to keep everyone safe and to help with rehabilitation in our correctional system.
The stark reality of the DCR’s staffing situation is alarming, with more than 434 vacancies amounting to 28% of total staffing. This shortage has resulted in increased workloads, compelling many ACOs to endure back-to-back 16-hour shifts, ultimately leading to burnout and further erosion of morale.
Director Tommy Johnson’s claims suggesting that the union protects a minority abusing sick leave fail to recognize that many ACOs require leave for valid reasons, including family health obligations and personal medical conditions. Moreover, the complex approval process for Family Leave adds unnecessary stress to staff members.
UPW has proposed several initiatives aimed at improving employee morale, which were formulated based on insights gathered during our 2023 summit, where both union members and the employer participated. Proposed initiatives include a Cash Out Program and enhanced training for new hires, which have unfortunately received little attention amidst temporary and ineffective measures.
The results of the survey confirm what we have known for a long time: our staff are working under very difficult conditions. We hope this report will encourage the administration to listen to our calls for change. We urge leadership to act quickly to improve staff morale, increase staffing levels, and create a safer, more supportive work environment. We need a correctional system that respects and upholds dignity for everyone.
We invite Director Johnson to engage with us in a collaborative effort toward solutions that will benefit our members and restore positive morale within the DCR.”
Kalani Werner
State Director
United Public Workers
