10/16/2026
Another Major Victory for CPL-33 — Our Fight Continues!
Brothers and Sisters,
WE HAVE WON ANOTHER IMPORTANT BATTLE!
Today, October 16, 2026, Judge Vernon D. Oliver issued his ruling in our contempt and enforcement proceedings, delivering another significant victory for the Council of Prison Locals 33 and the employees we proudly represent.
The Court ruled that the Bureau of Prisons’ October 7, 2026, attempt to terminate our Collective Bargaining Agreement was VOID because the agency acted unilaterally without first seeking the Court’s permission to modify, clarify, or dissolve its existing injunction.
The judge made it clear that the agency cannot simply take matters into its own hands when a court order is in place. The Court ordered that our Master Agreement, along with its subsidiary agreements, remain in effect through May 28, 2029, unless the Court grants a properly filed motion permitting the agreement to be terminated sooner.
This is a tremendous step forward for our organization and our members. It reinforces the importance of the rule of law and confirms that our fight to protect our collective bargaining rights is far from over.
However, I want to be very clear: We must remain cautiously optimistic.
Although the Court denied our request for a finding of civil contempt at this time, it granted our request to enforce its preliminary injunction and declared the agency’s latest termination VOID. This is an important distinction, and we must understand that the legal battle is not finished. The agency may still attempt to file a motion asking the Court for permission to terminate the agreement, and we must be prepared for that possibility.
Our legal team will continue to evaluate the ruling and determine the appropriate next steps. We will remain vigilant, engaged, and prepared to respond to any further action taken by the agency.
To every local president, union representative, and member who has stood strong through this difficult period: Thank you. Your commitment, patience, and solidarity matter. We have faced tremendous challenges, but we have not backed down, and we will not stop fighting for the rights and protections our members deserve.
Today, we can recognize and celebrate this important victory while keeping our eyes open to the challenges ahead.
Stay united. Stay engaged. Stay ready.
We have made meaningful progress, but we must continue this fight together. I will keep you informed as we receive additional information and determine our next steps.
In solidarity,
Brandy Moore White
National President
Council of Prison Locals 33
