The Montana Highway Patrol terminated a trooper and union president as alleged retaliation for sharing a workplace climate survey summary with union staff, according to claims in an unfair labor practice complaint.
The complaint was lodged against the Montana Department of Justice and the Montana Highway Patrol division. The DOJ refutes the accusations, stating that the trooper was dismissed for distributing the document “in violation of a direct order.”
The Montana Federation of Public Employees presented the allegations on behalf of Trooper Alicia Bragg last month. MFPE President Amanda Curtis asserted that the Highway Patrolâs actions amount to retaliation against a decorated officer.
âIt is unlawful to retaliate against a union president for sharing information regarding her membersâ working conditions with her union staff,â Curtis stated. âWe are striving to address this severe punishment, reinstate Alicia’s job, and address the deteriorating working conditions for all troopers at MHP.â
Under Montana law, state agencies are prohibited from obstructing or pressuring employees from exercising their union rights, as reported by the Daily Montanan.
Trooper: âInvestigation was a witch huntâ
Earlier this year, the Montana Highway Patrol conducted a climate survey in response to concerns about morale, turnover, and the need for improvements within the agency. The outcomes reflected poorly on management and showed a lack of employee support, with an 80% response rate.
As a member of the steering committee formed to address these findings, Trooper Bragg obtained a copy of the summary. Bragg, a 10-year MHP employee, stated that numerous troopers expressed fears of retaliation for their survey responses, highlighting the deteriorating working conditions that she, as union president, aims to address.
Bragg distributed the summary to her field consultant, emphasizing the close relationship between troopers and the union in advocating for better working conditions.
Upon the summary’s publication on March 29 by the Daily Montanan, Bragg was subsequently placed on leave on April 9 and terminated on April 19, with pending complaints and internal grievances, according to related documents.
âDuring my initial hearing, MHP leadership questioned who would support me in a difficult situation,â Bragg expressed. âI realized their investigation was biased, and they showed no interest in utilizing troopersâ survey feedback for improving our work environment.
âAs union president, I shared information about this survey with my union staff, and my termination followed,â Bragg added, emphasizing allegations of retaliation against her and the concealment of negative working conditions through withholding survey results.
DOJ: âResponses to employee misconductâ
The DOJ’s response, signed by Chief Human Resource Officer Melissa Gardner and General Counsel Chad Vanisko, rebuts the complaint, attributing alleged actions to responses to employee misconduct.
The DOJ clarified that the distribution of the climate survey document was restricted until authorized for release, and Bragg’s disregard for that directive led to her termination, as she acknowledged sharing the summary against direct orders.
The DOJ contended that MHP troopers must adhere to strict command orders, emphasizing that the agency did not interfere with communication and was not in active contract negotiations.
Bragg: âGood troopers need to stayâ
Bragg, a Great Falls native, transitioned from dispatcher to officer following work at various Montana agencies for 8.5 years. Her accolades include a Hedstrom Award for life-saving efforts and an Unsung Hero award for Special Olympics volunteer work during her tenure with the Highway Patrol since 2014.
As union president for three years, Bragg fostered open communication with troopers on contract negotiations and new policies, sharing the survey summary in a similar vein. Despite her termination, she remains committed to enhancing working conditions for MHP employees.
Bragg emphasized the necessity for troopers to feel secure in their roles and advocated for transparency in the survey results to address concerns effectively.
While pending internal grievances and complaints, Bragg maintains her desire to reclaim her position to facilitate positive change within the agency and ensure troopers can serve without fear of reprisal.
Grievance, complaint, unfold
With a focus on reinstatement, Bragg urges the retention of dedicated troopers amidst a challenging climate within the Montana Highway Patrol. Addressing concerns of retention and fostering a supportive environment for officers remains a priority for Bragg.
While the resolution of the complaint may take time, Bragg remains steadfast in her mission to support her fellow troopers, promote accountability within the agency, and strive for a culture of transparency and respect.
As she navigates the grievance process, Bragg’s dedication to service extends beyond law enforcement as she pursues studies in ministry and supports her family during the uncertainties of her employment status.