COs Sound Off

WISCONSIN & MEMPHIS

Two-year-old Hunter Feucht and his father, John, joined other corrections officers to demonstrate in front of the state prison in Waupun, Wis. Hundreds of COs throughout the state picketed 10 correctional facilities in January to highlight Gov. Jim Doyle's (D) failure to address public safety and workplace issues. "We're trying to draw his attention to dangerous problems we face every day, such as overcrowding," says Bob McLinn, president of the Wisconsin State Employees Union, AFSCME Council 24. "There are consequences when the state skimps on training for the people who work on the front lines." The Wisconsin COs have been pushing for better wages and benefits in their contract, which the state has so far failed to address.

Meanwhile, in downtown Memphis, a coalition of some 50 activists led by members of AFSCME Local 1733 got the attention of the Shelby County Commission — meeting right there at the time — with chants, songs and drums. Speaking through a bullhorn, Dorothy Crook — director of the local that represents 1,300 COs and deputy jailers — said it loud and clear: No private prisons! The commission is studying plans to turn over management of the county correction center and downtown jail to private companies, and to place private security guards at correction-center entrances.