Correctional Officers demand extra pay during COVID-19 outbreak

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Correctional Officers (CO's) at the Arizona State Prison Complex in Yuma are fighting for extra pay, as they come face to face with inmates who are waiting for coronavirus test results.

The Arizona State Prison Complex in Yuma currently has 97 positive coronavirus cases within it's inmate population. Ten inmates are also waiting for their test results.

A memo sent out to correctional officers from the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry (ADCRR) back in April, states eligible ADCRR employees would receive a COVID-19 related Critical Services Pay Stipend of 8 percent or 25 percent.

The stipend is listed to apply to correctional staff who are providing care or oversight to a contained population.

However, sources from inside the prison who wish to remain anonymous tell News 11 that there are CO's who are coming into contact with inmates who are waiting for their test results, but still not being payed the maximum stipend they are requesting, of 25 percent.

These same sources said that just this past Saturday about five officers were sent home without pay, because they refused to work around inmates who were waiting for their test results. These officers were said to be told they do not qualify for the 25 percent stipend, even though the inmates they were caring for could possibly have coronavirus.

According to our source, already six officers have tested positive for the coronavirus. Three of these officers are said to have worked in the building where the positive COVID-19 inmates are currently housed.

News 11 has reached out to ADCRR regarding these incidents and we are waiting for a response.