UNION RENEWS OPPOSITION TO PRIVATE PRISONS

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- Turning prison operations over to private business
remains a bad idea that voters should consider when judging candidates,
officials of Oregon's largest corrections union said Tuesday.

"Many candidates are trumpeting the virtues of privatization," said Don
Loving, Oregon public affairs director for the American Federation of
State, County and Municipal Employees.

He said AFSCME has been holding news conferences around the county to renew
its campaign against privatization of prisons.

Voters should be aware of the drawbacks of such proposals when they cast
ballots in legislative races in which contenders might support the idea,
Loving said.

Some lawmakers have urged turning all or some prison services over to
private industry, but he proposal never has gotten very far in the
Legislature.

Senate Majority Leader Gene Derfler, R-Salem, said he hopes lawmakers will
authorize a pilot program next year.

"I think should we privatize at least one prison to check it out," he said.
"I don't see anything wrong with that. We're going to have seven new
prisons over the next few years."

Derfler said he understands the union's position because it doesn't want
jobs lost.

"I'm not interested in hurting employees. But I think taxpayers are paying
the bill and we at least owe them the opportunity to save money," Derfler
said.

Loving said he expects the idea to surface in the 1999 legislative session.
But state Corrections Department spokesman Jim Lockwood said it won't be
originated by his agency.

"We're not really an advocate at all," said Lockwood. "If the Legislature
wants to seriously look at it, we're willing to get information."

Loving said a national report done by the union, which represents
corrections officers in more than 30 states, shows that claimed savings by
private operations often don't materialize.

"I don't think we need to copy someone else's mistakes," he said.

Loving acknowledged that the workers' self-interest is high among the
concerns.

"We never apologize that we look out for our members' jobs," he said.

The report released by the union's national office says private prison
operators cut costs by paying inferior wages and benefits and that
for-profit institutions have higher rates of escapes and violence.

"Private prisons do have their share of problems," Lockwood said. "We agree
with the unions that there are a lot of places where people will cut corners."

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? We welcome your feedback.

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski