Union accuses Cumberland County jail of unfair labor practices

The union representing correctional staff at the Cumberland County Jail in Portland has filed an unfair labor practice complaint with the Maine Labor Relations Board.

William Doyle, executive director of the National Correctional Employees Union, said the complaint was sparked by the decision to house federal prisoners starting last month. Doyle said the prison was already understaffed and the additional inmates had worsened working conditions.

“We are asking them to do more with less and to give them more responsibilities than they did in the previous contract,” Doyle said.