The best way to end a shortage of Winneshiek County jailers? Pay higher wages, says a union representative

Winneshiek County has been struggling to find people to apply for openings in the County Jail.  Sheriff Dan Marx earlier this month (http://www.decorahnews.com/news-stories/2019/01/21186.html) said the jail is down three jailers, which has forced existing jailers to work overtime shifts.

On Monday, Teamsters Union representative Dan MacDonald met with county supervisors to make "an immediate market adjustment" in the wages and benefits offered to jailers.  MacDonald told supervisors "The starting wage for (Winneshiek County) jailers is $5/hour less than in many other counties."  He said health insurance coverage and costs are also an issue.

MacDonald is scheduled to meet with supervisors on Friday as contract talks begin for the next fiscal year.  Supervisors will meet Tuesday morning with Decorah attorney John Anderson, who has been representing the county in contract talks with jail employees.