Vermont Corrections employees to work 12-hour shifts

WATERBURY, Vt. (WCAX) - It’s official-- workers within the Vermont Department of Corrections will work 12-hour shifts.

The extended shifts, which start in late August, are aimed at stabilizing the system and stemming the tide of burnout and turnover. Employees will also receive a three-day weekend once every pay period.

It’s in an effort to create a more predictable schedule for the staff and to begin filling open positions; about one-quarter of the jobs in Vermont prisons are open right now. At Northeast Correctional Complex which has been using the 12-hour shift model, staffing has improved - there is now a 19% vacancy rate.

Under the new agreement, employees will receive an additional pay bump and incentives for new hires and referrals.

The 12-hour staffing agreement is temporary and is scheduled to end in March.

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