Revitalized Organizing Campaign in Arizona Corrections Launched

April 20, 2005

The NCPSO/CWA, the Arizona Correctional Peace Officers Association (AZCPOA), and Local 7911 (AZCOPS) have launched a major organizing campaign in Arizona corrections to increase the current 1,700+ membership to a higher level. "One of our major goals is to achieve negotiating rights for Arizona correctional officers," AZCPOA President Joe Masella said recently. "There are so many economic and working condition issues in the Department of Corrections right now that the only way to bring some resolution fair to the officers is by negotiating with the State."

One piece of this campaign is 2 new organizing positions devoted solely to Arizona corrections. The two organizers are Chuck Foy and Tom Vargo. Foy is a retired Peoria police officer and former AZCOPS President; Vargo is a former correctional officer and AZCPOA Executive Board member. Their efforts have already proven worthwhile – in the first 3 months of this year, more than 200 new correctional officers have joined AZCPOA and AZCOPS. "Tom and I are very excited about this campaign," Foy said. "The principle that members equals power has great application to this organizing effort - the more members who join, the better chance we have to show the State the importance of recognition for the right to negotiate an agreement."

As a part of this campaign, the AZCPOA and AZCOPS leadership teamed up in January for a major rally outside the State Capital to call attention to the problems in Department of Corrections. More than three hundred people came out in support of Arizona correctional officers, including correctional officers from all across the country, Arizona DOC officers and their families, AZCOPS leaders, and CWA members and leaders. "We were gratified by the support shown to our members," Joe Masella said. "This rally brought to the public attention the many issues that our officers are facing on a day-to-day basis."