Staff crisis in prisons

MARQUETTE, Michigan (WZMQ) – Some members of the Michigan Department of Corrections Officers (MCO) union participated in a picket outside the Marquette Branch Prison in Marquette on Wednesday.

The officers are protesting against the current staffing crisis and all the problems associated with it. It is about the inadequate staffing levels and the mandatory overtime for prison officers. The president of the prison officers' union, Byron Osborn, says that this information strike is intended to draw attention to the staffing crisis in prisons.

“We started this campaign here to educate and inform our elected officials in Michigan and our governor about what is really happening and the issues we are constantly facing,” Osborn said.

Due to inadequate staffing, some inmate activities had to be canceled, leading to unrest among inmates and a dangerous environment. Another problem is the Michigan Department of Corrections' mandatory overtime policy, which forces officers to work 16-hour shifts several times a week, disrupting family life.

“It's absolutely ridiculous that we as a state don't better support these public employees. They do this incredibly dangerous job, which is a professional job,” McBroom said.

The prison staffing crisis has become a priority for lawmakers from both parties. One of the most troubling consequences of the staffing shortage is the regular closure of solitary confinement facilities. 108th District Representative Dave Prestin is frustrated.

“And there is no room to house them because the isolation units are closed due to staff shortages, so there is no one to staff the isolation units,” Prestin explained.

According to State Rep. Jenn Hill, it's all about taking care of those who keep us safe.

“Today, fast food offers almost the same benefits and wages. We need to address this as a state and collectively recognize that these important jobs, as we have learned during the Covid pandemic, need to be paid. And these people need to be recognized and taken care of,” Hill said.