Steve Neavling
ticklethewire.com
The Border Patrol’s ban on bringing cell phones or electronic devices to work following the leaked photos of an overcrowded processing center in Texas violates collectively-bargained guidelines, a union representative insists.
The Blaze.com reports that the agency also is threatening employees who speak to the media.
Prior to the release of photos at the Nogales center, agents were allowed to bring cell phones to work in case radio communications shut down.
Shawn Moran, spokesman for the National Border Patrol Council, said a patrol agent in charge doesn’t have the authority to to ban cell phones. That responsibility lies with the sector chief.
“If the Tucson local feels there’s a violation of our collective bargaining agreement then they can file the appropriate grievance,” Moran told TheBlaze. “If there’s a violation I hope they do, our locals are not afraid to litigate these matters.”
A Dec. 2, 2008 memo to all station chiefs states that the “policy does not prohibit personal wireless communication devices while performing official duties, but limits the usage.”
