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Members of DOC Teamsters Local 117 are picketing in Monroe today.

MONROE, Wash. (June 5, 2024) — State correctional workers represented by Teamsters Local 117 are holding a picket for safety and respect today at the Monroe Correctional Complex (MCC) to demand a safer environment inside Washington State prisons.

#Teamsters #correction Prison picket workers #Monroe This morning, calling for a safer environment and respect. #1u pic.twitter.com/K4NWiPKKw7

— Teamsters 117 (@teamsters117) June 5, 2024

Workers have made a number of demands, including that an independent and comprehensive safety audit be conducted and that the Department of Corrections (DOC) involve frontline staff in safety and security decisions. Between 2019 and 2023, the Department of Corrections saw a three-fold increase in the rate of serious assaults against staff.

Earlier this week, a separate assault occurred in which an MCC officer working at Sky River Treatment Center was punched in the face.

Make a Stand — Picketing continues today (Wednesday, June 5) until 4:30pm. All union members and community supporters are invited to join Teamsters 117 DOC members picketing on West Main across from Twin Rivers Chevron in Monroe.

“DOC employees do essential work to protect public safety,” said Paul Dasher, executive director and treasurer of Teamsters Local 117. “They monitor, mentor and care for people incarcerated in our jails, preparing them for when they return to their communities. Currently, DOC leadership is ignoring their concerns and not doing enough to keep them safe. This needs to change.”

Teamsters Local 117 represents 6,000 correctional officers at 12 facilities in Washington state, including 1,000 employees at Monroe Correctional Institution. The union represents dozens of job categories, including officers, sergeants, medical staff, cooks, counselors, maintenance staff and custodial staff.

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