PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- The correctional officers' union has filed an ethics complaint against Gov. Dan McKee's pick to lead the state's prison system, accusing him of violating state law by failing to disclose out-of-state travel.

As Target 12 first reported Thursday, R.I. Department of Corrections interim director Wayne Salisbury last year took several trips outside of Rhode Island that were paid for by third parties but weren't disclosed on his required ethics forms.

Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers president Richard Ferruccio filed the complaint Friday with the R.I. Ethics Commission. Ferruccio alleged Salisbury violated the state's ethics code because he failed to disclose "multiple out-of-state trips funded by external organizations."

McKee has nominated Salisbury to serve as the department's permanent director, spurring intense pushback from the union, which has mounted a public campaign opposing the pick.

"These omissions represent a serious breach of the ethical standards required of public officials," Ferruccio wrote about the undisclosed travel in a letter to the state ethics panel.

"Transparency and accountability are crucial in maintaining public trust, and Mr. Salisbury's actions undermine these principles," he added.

Under state law, Salisbury and all other state and elected officials must disclose this type of travel each year so that the public can track what outside interest groups might be paying for their leaders' travel.

As of Tuesday, Salisbury listed no travel on his 2023 ethics filing, yet public records obtained by Target 12 showing he spent nearly two months out of state.

Within 24 hours of being questioned about the trips, Salisbury amended his ethics report to disclose six trips paid for by outside parties. The trips included travel to London, Washington, D.C., Cape Cod, California, Virginia and Georgia.

Each trip cost anywhere from $633 to $2,249, according to the amended filing. For the London trip, however, Salisbury listed the cost as “unknown.” A state spokesperson said they have contacted the British Consulate, which paid for the trip, for a cost breakdown.

Despite the criticism from the union, McKee has previously stood by Salisbury, saying last week he's "a good selection" for the director job.

Behind the scenes, Salisbury’s supporters argue the prison policy changes he has backed are motivating some of the criticism against him. Union members oppose those changes, citing a fear that too much leniency will make their jobs more challenging and less safe.

As of midday Friday, the R.I. Senate had yet to schedule a confirmation hearing for Salisbury Salisbury as head of the prison system, but committee agendas for next week have yet to be posted. Legislative leaders are aiming to adjourn for the year on Thursday.