BARAGA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Some members of the union representing Michigan Department of Corrections officers took to the picket line in Baraga Tuesday. At issue is the lack of staffing and mandatory overtime shifts for Michigan correction officers. This informational picket was designed to draw attention to the staffing crisis.
According to the Michigan Corrections Organization, Michigan prisons are on average, operating 30% short staffed which forces the prisons to either cancel inmate activities or do so without enough manpower. Both options present a threat to both inmates and correction officers.
State Representative Greg Markkanen explains the hazards involved.
“This issue is critical to the state of Michigan and to all the families of all these co’s that are serving three, four, five, mandated overtimes every week,” Said Markkanen. “The situation is not safe. They’re not getting proper family time and rest. It makes for a dangerous situation in our prisons here in Baraga, Alger, Marquette, Kinross and downstate, as well.”
The correctional officers union will conduct a similar informational picket Wednesday, August 21st in Marquette.
