MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Some members of the union representing Michigan Department of Corrections Officers (MCO) took to the picket line outside of the Marquette Branch Prison in Marquette Wednesday.
The officers are protesting the current staffing crisis, and all the associated problems. At issue is the lack of proper staffing and mandatory overtime shifts for correction officers. The President of the Corrections Officers Union, Byron Osborn, says this informational picket is designed to draw attention to the prison staffing crisis.
“We began this campaign here to try to educate and inform our elected officials in Michigan and our governor of what’s actually been happening and the problems we’re continuously facing,” said Osborn.
Inadequate staffing has led to some inmate activities being canceled, leading to inmate unrest, and a dangerous environment. Also at issue is The Michigan Department of Corrections mandatory overtime policy, which routinely forces officers to work 16 hour shifts many times per week, which is disruptive to family life.
“It’s absolutely ridiculous that we as a state are not supporting these state employees better. They are doing this incredibly dangerous job that’s a professional job,” said McBroom.
The prison staffing crisis has become a priority for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. One of the most disturbing consequences of being short staffed is the regular closing of segregation units. 108th District State Rep Dave Prestin is frustrated.
“And there’s no place to put them, because the segregation units are closed because they are so short staffed that there’s there’s no one to staff the segregation units,” explained Prestin..
State Rep Jenn Hill believes it’s all about taking care of those who keep us safe.
“Nowadays, fast food is offering benefits, and wages, that are almost the same. We’re going to have to address that as a state, coming together to realize that these essential jobs as we learn during covid need to be paid. And these folks need to be recognized and taken care of.” said Hill.
