In observance of National Correctional Officers and Employees Week (May 6-12), we honor the tens of thousands of AFSCME members across the country who keep our communities safe by putting their lives on the line every day.

We are proud of the extraordinary service provided by the 62,000 corrections officers and 23,000 corrections employees represented by AFSCME Corrections United (ACU).

Yet, these officers continue to be used as scapegoats by corporate-backed politicians who undervalue the difficult and dangerous work they do. Governors in Florida, Louisiana, Michigan and Ohio have brazenly attempted to privatize prisons even as evidence mounts that this jeopardizes prison safety and doesn’t save money. Corrections officers know about the greater threat of injury or death within prisons operated by for-profit companies.

But our members are fighting back. In Florida, AFSCME scored a major victory when we overcame overwhelming odds to beat back a prison privatization bill. Working in partnership with members of AFSCME Council 79 and other labor unions, we defeated Senate Bill 2038, which would have led to the largest expansion of private prisons in American history.

We stalled a move by Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and his allies to privatize a state prison.Working with a national coalition to fight prison privatization, our members flexed their muscles and raised a public outcry. We commend those courageous legislators, like Florida State Sen. Mike Fasano (a Republican), who oppose prison privatization because they value public safety more than the profit for private prison companies, which have engaged in pay-to-play politics.

During this week’s commemoration, we also pay homage to unsung heroes who continue to take risks and make ultimate sacrifices in the line of duty. One of our own, Sgt. Barbara Ester of Marianna, Ark., was simply doing her job when she was fatally stabbed to death early this year. Other members, like Michael Whitehead of Somers, Conn., saved a fellow officer’s life on the job.

“We will never forget the life-and-death struggles that define the vital service you provide,” Sec.-Treas. Lee Saunders said at last year’s Public Safety Congress. “Because we will never forget, we will continue the fight for the public safety officers on the job today.” Adds Pres. Gerald W. McEntee:  “The  courage and commitment shown by our members reflect what is best about our country.

After a decisive election Tuesday, 325 police officers in Greater Salt Lake City, Utah, will now be represented by The Unified Police Federation/AFSCME Local 45 (Federation).

“Police officers work hard and risk our lives on a daily basis to keep our communities safe,” said Don Campbell, president of Unified Police Federation/AFSCME Local 45. “I’m proud that the officers of Greater Salt Lake City have chosen to stand strong, together, as part of AFSCME. Our jobs are tough. Our union is tougher.”

The Federation has set the standard for quality representation for police officers in Utah. Like AFSCME affiliates across the country, local control and a focus on members’ needs enables the Federation to improve the working conditions and defend the rights of the proud men and women who protect and serve their community. And national expertise, resources and solidarity help win and defend strong contracts, and provide officers a strong voice on the job.

“In my opinion, investing in the Federation is as important as health insurance and retirement planning,” said Detective Nate Clark, Officer of the Year and Gang Officer of the Year 2012.

The Federation is accountable, democratic, member-driven and locally led. By joining with AFSCME, the largest public employee labor union in the nation representing more than 100,000 public safety workers, Utah police officers gain the national resources, power and expertise to win progress.

Please watch this video showcasing the past 75 years of AFSCME.  We are UNION and we couldn't be more proud!

http://youtu.be/PmTe4m_EheM