The Vermont State Employees’ Association (VSEA) has raised concerns over the lack of air conditioning at the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield. Several correctional officers were hospitalized last week with heat stroke symptoms during a heat wave, prompting the VSEA to file a workplace safety complaint with the Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Administration (VOSHA). Despite a $5 million allocation for new air-conditioning units, the projects are still ongoing, leaving union officials frustrated with the slow pace of improvements in Vermont prisons.
Calls for Urgent Action
Union officials, including VSEA Executive Director Steve Howard, are calling for urgent action to address the working conditions in state government, particularly within the Department of Corrections. The VSEA emphasizes the need for better working conditions to ensure the well-being of staff and inmates across Vermont's prisons.
Inadequate Cooling Systems
Currently, only two of Vermont's prisons have air-conditioning systems in place, raising concerns about the health and safety of both staff and inmates during extreme weather conditions. The Department of Corrections has acknowledged the need for improvements and stated that they are actively working on planning and funding for new AC units to create a safe and healthy environment within correctional facilities.
Concerns for Inmates
While the focus has been on the well-being of correctional officers, questions remain about the impact of the heat on inmates. The VSEA's complaint highlights the urgent need for adequate cooling systems to ensure the health and safety of all individuals within Vermont's correctional facilities.
The ongoing debate surrounding the lack of air conditioning in Vermont prisons underscores the importance of prioritizing workplace safety and the well-being of both staff and inmates. The VSEA's advocacy serves as a reminder of the critical need for immediate action to address the fundamental concerns within the Department of Corrections and improve the overall working conditions in state government.