For Immediate Release: Monday, January 10th, 2022
Crisis in Baltimore Corrections: Fire, Spoiled Vaccines and Assaults Creating Dangerous Conditions Inside State Facilities
BALTIMORE, MD- AFSCME Council 3 members are raising alarm about a growing crisis of dangerous conditions inside Maryland State Correctional Facilities. Since 2016, AFSCME members have spoken out about poor working conditions and low pay making it difficult to recruit and retain frontline staff. Compounded by the pandemic, the staffing crisis has become even more acute impacting the safety and quality of life of detainees.
Last week, reports surfaced after a fire broke out in the Maryland Reception, Diagnostic and Classification Center (MRDCC) injuring at least two dozen inmates and hospitalizing several correctional officers. In addition, Governor Hogan has failed to provide information about mishandled and potentially spoiled vaccines provided to inmates causing fear and confusion. Without adequate staff, AFSCME members fear the unsafe working conditions will harm detainees and potentially risk the safety of the entire facility.
AFSCME is proud to stand with Senator Clarence Lam, State Senator Shelly Hettleman, and State Senator Mary Washington to urge Governor Hogan to act urgently to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in state prisons and take additional measures to keep staff and inmates safe. With a $2.5 billion dollar surplus, Governor Hogan clearly has resources available to address these issues but instead is putting officers and inmates alike in danger.
AFSCME Council 3 President Patrick Moran Said, “We are in the second year of this terrible pandemic and the Governor needs to start addressing these urgent issues by taking action. From a public health perspective, it’s imperative to contain the spread from congregate care facilities and we are urging Governor Hogan to provide all staff and inmates adequate PPE including N95 and KN95 masks.”
Who: AFSMCE Council 3 President Patrick Moran and Correctional Officers, Maryland State Senator Clarence Lam, State Senator Shelly Hettleman, and State Senator Mary Washington.
Where: Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84616429458
Meeting ID: 846 1642 9458
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,84616429458# US (Washington DC)
When: Monday, January 10th, 12:30pm
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AFSCME Maryland represents over 30,000 hardworking and dedicated employees in Maryland State government and in our public higher education institutions. It is the state’s largest and fastest-growing union for public service employees. We Make Maryland Happen.