DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — On Thursday afternoon, AFSCME-represented prison employees picketed across the state to demand safer workplaces.
Union members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31 said that Illinois prisons are short-staffed, contain dangerous drugs and narcotics, and are unsafe for workers.
Members called on the Department of Corrections (IDOC) to prevent illegal substances, better enforce policies for the incarcerated abusing substances or assaulting staff, and expedite hiring for safe staffing levels.
“AFSCME members should not have to face violent assaults, illegal drugs and chronic staff shortages as common occurrences when just doing their jobs,” Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch said. “We demand that leadership of the Department of Corrections step up and do more to make this essential work safer.”
IDOC gave WAND News the following statement:
"The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) recognizes the difficult and challenging situations our facility staff face every day in their efforts to keep our state safe. We deeply value and appreciate the dedication and sacrifices of our frontline employees. Ensuring the safety of our staff, individuals in custody, and everyone entering our facilities remains our top priority. While we are actively exploring options to enhance safety, measures are in place to address potential risks associated with mail handling. IDOC has a Suspicious Substance Emergency Procedure in place, which outlines the steps to be taken if a suspicious substance is discovered. Additionally, we have intensified mail screening protocols, encouraged the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and deployed tactical units to conduct targeted facility searches. We are working closely with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois State Police, and medical experts to identify the cause of recent incidents and determine long-term solutions. These efforts are focused on improving safety while ensuring individuals in custody maintain essential communications and family connections. We remain committed to working with all stakeholders, including our labor partners, to ensure a safe and secure working environment for our staff."
In central Illinois, AFSCME picketed at Danville Correctional Center, Decatur Correctional Center, Lincoln Correctional Center and Logan Correctional Center.
Alfred Campbell, a Sergeant at Kennedy Correctional facility and a 23-year-long employee of IDOC said there needs to be changes made. "Because of our staffing levels, staff were being put in a very dangerous position and people are getting sick...and IDOC is not really pushing for it to move past that and get us in a position where we are being successful." said Campbell.
State Senator Sally Turner (R-Beason) attended the picket in Lincoln and issued the following statement regarding the union concerns:
“The health and well-being of our correctional officers, as well as the individuals in the state’s care, must be our top priority. Continued inaction is completely and utterly unacceptable. It is time for this Administration to take this issue seriously and put into place real measures that ensure the safety of everyone who works or resides at a state correctional center.”
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