Union Files Complaint Over Jail Management

A union representing detention officers at the Missoula County jail has filed a complaint alleging the jail is understaffed, unsafe and that nepotism affects promotion decisions.

The Detention Officers' Association filed the unfair labor practices complaint with the state Board of Personnel Appeals in the state Labor Department last month.

The complaint says guards who complained faced retaliation.

County Personnel Director Steve Johnson says the allegations, while serious, do not typically fall into the category of unfair labor practices. The county says some complaints were filed outside a six-month limitation and it asks that most of the allegations be dismissed.

Sheriff Carl Ibsen says there were no specific times and dates given for some of the allegations.

Associated Press