AFSCME's Saunders on Corrections Week: We stand with every correctional officer and employee who work tirelessly to protect their communities

WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement in recognition of National Correctional Officers and Employees Week, May 3–9, 2026: 

“Correctional officers and employees are some of the bravest, most dedicated public service workers in this country. They work in conditions most Americans never see – rehabilitating offenders, maintaining safety and order, and caring for the well-being of inmates. These brave workers make tremendous sacrifices to do their jobs and keep our communities safe, and they deserve a strong voice on the job so they can secure fair pay, safe staffing, better working conditions and more. 

“Too often, corrections officers across the country are working short-handed, forced into constant mandatory overtime, and expected to do dangerous jobs with less support. But AFSCME members in public safety understand the best way to stand up for their jobs and communities is by strengthening their voice on the job. That’s why they are organizing and fighting back to ensure they have the resources they need to do their jobs safely.  

“This Corrections Week, we say thank you to them and stand with every correctional officer and employee who work tirelessly to protect their communities.” 

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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.