SE Illinois News

Nurses at correctional facilities throughout Illinois held onto their jobs — at least temporarily — after all sides agreed to work toward a better solution than subcontracting the work, Rep. John Cavaletto (R-Salem) announced on Thursday.

Cavaletto joined other lawmakers in calling for a reconsideration of a decision to lay off 120 nurses in the facilities.

“When I heard about the planned layoffs, I immediately urged the administration to reconsider their decision,” Cavaletto said. “Legislators cannot negotiate for either side, but I will continue to urge both sides to negotiate in good faith to find a solution.”

Cavaletto’s 107th District includes Vandalia Correctional Center, as well as constituents who are employees of two other correctional facilities: Centralia Correctional and Big Muddy Correctional.

Negotiations between the Illinois Nurses Association (INA) and the Department of Corrections and Department of Central Management Services had broken down and the administration favored hiring subcontractors. 

According Cavaletto, the Department of Corrections and Department of Central Management Services are now working on a framework of concepts that will achieve cost savings and flexibility without the layoffs.