Joe Masella - Correctional Leadership in A Right to Work State

February 4, 2005

Joe Masella (foreground) at a recent press rally for correctional officers pay

Joe Masella holds a tough job – President of the Arizona Correctional Peace Officers Association (AZCPOA). He is responsible for guiding the 1,500+-member organization that is affiliated with AZCOPS, Local 7077, and he has to do it in a right to work state where collective bargaining and union membership are often considered foreign concepts.

Prior to becoming an Arizona correctional officer in 2000, the 38-year old Masella had a long history of union activism in his previous employment. As an employee in the New York City Environmental Protection Department, he served as a shop steward. Masella also performed shop steward duties while working at UPS in the New York City area. Masella is married, and has 2 children ages 6 and 7.

"When AZCPOA was formed and affiliated with AZCOPS in 2000, I wanted to immediately play an active role in the organization. I knew that my previous union experience would come in handy." After first serving on the AZCPOA Board of Directors as President of the Eyman Facility, Rynning unit, Masella ran for President and won a 2-year term as AZCPOA President in January 2003.

Masella has set lofty goals for AZCPOA: in addition to the usual concerns for better pay, working conditions, and staff safety, he continues to fight against privatization of Arizona prisons, which seems to rear its ugly head every legislative session. Additionally, he is working along with AZCOPS on a proposal for meet and confer rights for AZCPOA.

"These are all important issues," Masella said. "Our union has to keep moving ahead in advancing these goals on behalf or correctional officers, who do not receive the recognition for the tough work they do every day."