Source: Associated Press Contact: Tue, 12 May 1998 Author: Charles E. Beggs, The Associated Press 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