Why Are Workers in Lumpkin Not Getting $25 an Hour?

We first wrote about this some time back. It is very interesting that CCA is paying over $25 an hour for an ICE facility in Las Vegas and so much less to people in Lumpkin. Most likely it's because of all the Vegas competition. But at the same time what does that say about the exploitation of the workers in Lumpkin and the profit being taken out of SDC? Are you really worth so much less? If I worked at Stewart I would probably get together with my fellow Correctional Officers and demand a raise. Maybe if CCA paid a living wage then it's facilities would have less abuse claims do to a higher caliber of employee that could be attracted by paying more. But I think we all know that it's probably not really about the worker or prisoner... nope it's most likely about the PROFIT. CCA's contract probably sets the pay rate at $25+ an hour. Which is a sign that all of these communities begging for a facility could really be doing a lot better also if they reexamined there contracts with CCA. I hope Lumpkin is listening. With all the poverty in Stewart County they could definitely hold CCA more accountable and to a higher standard than they are. After all it is Stewart County that ICE pays not CCA. Seems like CCA's bag man (Stewart County) could be doing much better. Maybe even $25+ an hour better for it's citizens that work at this hell hole.


CCA will hold job fair on 28th
By MARK WAITE

Originally found here.

Corrections Corporation of America will begin accepting job applications on the Internet for the Nevada Southern Detention Center April 28, according to CCA Vice-President of Marketing Louise Grant.

A job fair will be held in Pahrump for prospective applicants interesting in working at the federal detention center from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., April 30 and May 1, at Great Basin College, 550 E. Calvada Blvd., Grant said.

Job seekers won't be able to submit hard copies of applications at the job fair, but they can use computers at Great Basin College and get assistance in filling out the online application, which is the only way CCA will accept applications.

The Web site for applications online is www.ccajob.com.

Company representatives will be available at the two-day event to answer questions about the application process and outline criteria for getting a job. Job seekers will also be able to get information about CCA, the company benefits package and promotional opportunities, Grant said.

A career information day Jan. 20 attracted a packed house of 300 prospective applicants at each of two sessions held at the Pahrump Nugget.

Applicants will have 180 computers available to use at Great Basin College, Bill Verbeck, the director of the Pahrump Great Basin College campus, said.

He added, "Talking to CCA, we expect more people than we're going to be able to accommodate in two days."

Great Basin College and Career Connections announced a series of job readiness workshops to prepare local residents for the CCA career fair.

Sessions will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on three Fridays, -- April 9, 16 and 23.

There will also be one session from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturdays, April 10, 17 and 24.

The workshops will help applicants create their resume, apply for jobs at the facility online, give tips to job seekers for the interview and advice on how to dress, as well as managing their money. A vigorous credit check is conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service; applicants must have a good credit history.

The workshops will be held at the Great Basin College-Career Connections Center, 1541 E. Basin Ave. The phone number to call is 537-2323.

"We want our folks in the valley as qualified as they can be. These online applications are tricky," Verbeck said.

People who want to sign up for the workshops must be registered with Career Connections, he said.

CCA expects to employ 231 people at the detention center. About 150 of those employees will be correctional officers, who will be paid a federal prevailing wage of over $25 per hour.

CCA will have a booth at the annual Biz Expo sponsored by the Pahrump Valley Chamber of Commerce from noon to 7 p.m., Friday, April 23, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 24, at the Pahrump Nugget Events Center.

CCA said its participation is part of the national company's Diversity Business Inclusion Program, through which CCA will subcontract with local businesses classified as "diverse," such as those owned by minorities, women and veterans for the Nevada Southern Detention Center, Grant said.

The expo is a chance for thousands of Pahrump attendees to learn about the company and is also a networking venue for new and existing businesses, she said.

"CCA recognizes the importance of including diverse businesses in our procurement practices," said Dawn Williams, CCA manager of Diversity Business Development out of CCA's Nashville, Tenn., headquarters. "By creating sound business relationships, we strengthen economic development and enhance viability for diverse businesses in Pahrump Valley. Our commitment encourages job creation and strengthens purchasing power of those within the community."

The $80 million detention center is scheduled to be completed in July. As of early March, Grant said roofing work was 95 percent complete; interior work like drywall, ceiling grid installation and painting were well under way; perimeter fencing was more than half completed; and the general contractor was receiving bunks and tables.

CCA expects to begin receiving the first prisoners in October. The facility will have a capacity of holding 1,072 inmates awaiting trial in federal court or deportation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.