The Montana Highway Patrol terminated a trooper and union president in alleged retaliation after she shared a summary of a workplace climate survey with union staff, according to an unfair labor practice complaint.
The complaint was filed against the Montana Department of Justice and its Montana Highway Patrol division. The DOJ denies the accusations and claims that the trooper was fired for distributing the document against direct orders.
The Montana Federation of Public Employees made the claims on behalf of Trooper Alicia Bragg. President Amanda Curtis stated that the actions of the Highway Patrol constitute retaliation against a highly decorated officer.
“It is illegal to retaliate against a union president for sharing information related to her members’ working conditions with her union staff,” Curtis said. “We are committed to rectifying this severe punishment, reinstating Alicia’s job, and addressing the deteriorating working conditions at MHP for all troopers.”
Montana law prohibits state agencies from interfering with employees or coercing them from exercising their union rights, as reported by the Daily Montanan.
Trooper: ‘Investigation was a witch hunt’
Earlier this year, the Montana Highway Patrol conducted a climate survey in response to low morale, high turnover, and the need to make improvements within the agency, according to an interview with an agency employee.
The findings portrayed management negatively and highlighted a lack of support for employees, with an 80% response rate.
As a member of a steering committee addressing the results, Bragg, a 10-year MHP employee, received a copy of the summary.
In her role as president, Bragg shared the summary with her union staff to address eroding working conditions experienced by troopers, which are part of the union contract with the state.
Bragg shared a copy of the summary with her field consultant, emphasizing unity between troopers and the union in working towards better conditions.
After the summary became public through the Daily Montanan, Bragg was put on leave on April 9 and terminated on April 19, with the complaint and internal grievance currently pending.
Concerns have been raised about MHP intimidating troopers and concealing negative working conditions by not disclosing survey results.
DOJ: ‘Responses to employee misconduct’
The DOJ did not respond to inquiries from the Daily Montanan regarding the complaint but issued a response to the Department of Labor and Industry.
The response stated that allegations in the complaint are denied, and actions taken were necessary responses to employee misconduct, as per the DOJ.
The DOJ emphasized that the distribution of the climate survey document was restricted to a small committee and sharing it without authorization was a violation of orders, especially for law enforcement officers.
The DOJ affirmed its commitment to good-faith bargaining but refuted claims of interference, citing that contract negotiations were not ongoing.
Bragg: ‘Good troopers need to stay’
Bragg’s termination has spurred calls for her reinstatement, with a focus on retaining dedicated troopers in the face of challenging climate at MHP.
Bragg, a long-time public servant with awards for her service, highlights the importance of supporting troopers and cultivating a positive agency culture.
She is determined to fight for her job while advocating for improved working conditions and transparency at the Montana Highway Patrol department.
Grievance, complaint, unfold
Bragg is determined to reclaim her position despite the allegations against MHP, stressing the need for dedicated troopers to uphold safety and integrity in serving the public.
Her commitment to bettering working conditions and fostering a positive environment for troopers reflects her dedication to service and advocacy.
As the process unfolds, Bragg remains focused on her family, personal growth, and continuing her mission of aiding others through her work and ministry pursuits.
