The Union and the Media

A disturbance at a corrections facility draws the attention of both local and national media. Because of the uniqueness of each situation, there are no hard and fast rules about how to deal with the media. However, the following serve as guidelines.

What to Keep in Mind

• Inmates will learn of anything that is said to the media.
• The role of the media may conflict with the safety and security of hostages. For that reason, the union may wish to keep its contact with the media to a minimum.
• The media perceives the relationship between the union and the employer as generally an adversarial one. Reporters may pressure the union to affix blame or fault for the disturbance. During the crisis, the focus should solely be on the welfare of hostages and employees.

Who Speaks to the Media?

• The union should speak with one voice and coordinate its communications with the media.
• If the union employs a public relations specialist, that person might serve as the contact with the media. But whoever assumes this responsibility should be trained and experienced.
• The following may serve as useful guidelines when talking to the media during the disturbance:
  • Don’t upstage the public management in charge of the crisis. Official communications should come from the public authority.
  • Avoid bashing the boss. At this point you are part of a team attempting to resolve the problem. Avoid saying anything that indicates a division with the employer.
  • Inmate allegations should neither be confirmed nor denied.
  • Keep in mind that what is said conveys an image to the public. The emotional needs of union members who are close to the situation may have to be balanced with the union’s need to communicate its credibility to the public. It is important that the union be viewed as playing a positive role in resolving the situation.