NASHVILLE – Amid ongoing scrutiny of how correctional officers are paid and scheduled in Tennessee, a new survey shows that the officers overwhelmingly dislike the state’s recently changed overtime policies.
More than 80 percent of officers surveyed said they were negatively affected by the state’s decision not to pay overtime until they worked more than 171 hours in a month, The Tennessean reported.
Previously, the officers received overtime working the 160 hours compiled through a traditional 40-hour work week.
The survey was conducted by the Tennessee State Employees Association, with the help of the Tennessee Department of Correction.
Officers were generally split on whether they’d like to work slightly shorter shifts six days in a row, or a longer shift with rotating days off: 55 percent preferred 8.5- or 9-hour shifts where they’d work six days and then have three off, while 45 percent preferred the 12-hour shifts with rotating days off.