Among the most important issues facing any sheriff are labor/management relations. By their very nature, labor unions and management are often at odds. However, in the year preceding the retirement of the previous sheriff, the relationship between the two had reached historic lows. Further straining that relationship was the layoff of nearly 150 employees in 2002. It was the first time in the Department’s 300-year history that custody officers were laid off. The Stern Commission noted that a further deterioration of this relationship could potentially compromise the safety and security of the facilities.

Just before her swearing-in, Sheriff Cabral met with the Department’s union leadership to discuss their relationship with the previous administration and identify the issues important to them. They cited a lack of open communication, inclusiveness and fairness as their primary concerns.

Mindful of these issues, Sheriff Cabral has made significant improvements in the morale and working relationship with the unions. To date, nearly every custody officer and unionized civilian employee willing to return has been rehired. The return of union employees, coupled with a concerted effort by the current administration to build constructive opportunities for dialogue and input, has significantly contributed to tension reduction and improved staff morale in both facilities.

Both the Stern Commission and the union leadership noted that a common complaint among all collective bargaining was lack of direct access to the Sheriff during contract negotiations. Sheriff Cabral meets with union leadership, attends bargaining unit meetings when appropriate and stays abreast of all contract proposals. The Department’s current fiscal situation provides an excellent opportunity for labor and management to work creatively to build non-monetary value into the contracts that improves employees’ professional quality of life in a way that doesn’t compromise operational need.

Upon taking office, Sheriff Cabral retained Michael Harris as Director of Employee (Labor) Relations. Director Harris was a Labor Relations Specialist with the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) for three years before joining the Sheriff ’s Department in 2000.

:: top of page ::