The union that represents California state psychiatrists called on Gov. Gavin Newsom to boost their pay Monday, saying a shortage of prison psychiatrists is harming inmates’ mental health care and endangering employees who work in the institutions.
Representatives from the Union of American Physicians and Dentists said 48% of psychiatry jobs at the state’s prisons are unfilled.
“Why all these vacancies? Dangerous working conditions, oppressive management, poor compensation and benefits,” said Dr. Stuart Bussey, the president of UAPD, in a noon speech on the west steps of the state Capitol building.
