The labor union representing Knox County correctional employees has filed a complaint with the Maine Labor Relations Board, arguing the county failed to negotiate the impact of layoffs at the jail.
The prohibited practice complaint was filed March 19 by the National Correctional Employees Union. The union has represented the Knox County correctional workers since 2011.
The complaint notes that the administration announced at the Nov. 22, 2025 county commissioners meeting that it had determined the need to outsource housing inmates to the Two Bridges Regional Jail, the only non-union jail in the state. The county administrator said there was no money for impact bargaining, the complaint notes.
The county announced that the facility would reduce its workforce from 22 full-time workers to eight, and that the kitchen staff would lose their jobs and be replaced by Aramark through Two Bridges. Aramark is a private company that provides services including food services.
The union noted it was not notified when the food service workers were laid off.
The union further alleges that the county failed to negotiate over changes in shifts and responsibilities as required by the labor contract.
“By collaborating and encouraging employment with a non-union facility and deliberately delaying proceedings, the county has shown a clear union animus,” the union stated, which it maintains is in violation of state law.
The union is asking the state labor board to order the county to stop its unilateral changes to the conditions of employment; bargain in good faith; stop its anti-union acts; and follow any orders from the state board or its executive director.
An email was sent Thursday evening March 19 to Administrator Amber Christie and County Commission Chair Ed Glaser for their response to the complaint.
This story appears through a media partnership with Midcoast Villager.
