For Immediate Release

Contact: Nick Voutsinos
Email: nvoutsinos@afscme.org

AFSCME’s Saunders: Honoring corrections officers means recognizing the challenges they face

WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement recognizing National Correctional Officers Week, which is happening May 5-11, 2024:

 

“During the early mornings, late nights and all hours in between, corrections officers and employees work to keep our communities safe. It is physically and mentally demanding work, and they deserve respect. But right now, widespread staffing shortages are pushing corrections officers and employees to the breaking point and putting them in grave danger. A single officer who walks the toughest beat can in some cases be responsible for hundreds of inmates during a shift. This makes corrections officers, staff and communities less safe.

 

“The best way to honor corrections officers and employees for their service is to recognize the immense sacrifices they make and support their fight to improve their profession. Let this week serve as a call to action to get these essential workers the support they need on the front lines.”

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AFSCME’s 1.4 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in communities across the nation, serving in hundreds of different occupations — from nurses to corrections officers, childcare providers to sanitation workers — AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and freedom and opportunity for all working families. 

AFSCME’s 1.4 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in communities across the nation, serving in hundreds of different occupations — from nurses to corrections officers, child care providers to sanitation workers — AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and freedom and opportunity for all working families.

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American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO
1625 L Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036-5687
Telephone: (202) 429-1145
Fax: (202) 429-1120

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