CENTRALIA, Ill — There were pickets at prisons across the state of Illinois on Thursday afternoon.
Union members said their jobs aren't safe and are calling on the Illinois Department of Corrections to make improvements.
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employee, known as AFSCME, represents more than 10,000 Illinois prison workers.
Outside of the Centralia Correctional Center, a protest signals problems inside. "Safety Matters" signs represent their message.
Local union president Keith Kracht said, "In 21 years, I've never seen anything like this."
Centralia Correctional Center is a medium security facility with about 1,100 inmates.
"Something needs to be done," Kracht added. "Staffing in DOC is abysmal right now."
Beyond staffing, Kracht worries about inmates' access to narcotics or toxic substances.
He believes the substances are coming in through mail or visitors.
Kracht explained some of these substances are either bug spray or a mix of synthetics and they can't really detect what it is, but they know it does not show up on regular drug tests.
As an educator in the prison, Kracht worries about the inmates too.
"There is no way they can better themselves or go through programming if they can't think logically, normally and uninhibited, it's impossible to do," Kracht added.
As a nurse, Jennifer Hodge thinks about the quality of care.
"It's hard to treat something when you don't know the substance, what can reverse it, what won't," she shared.
She also admits the low staffing takes a toll, as they have to step in to work overtime.
The protest is meant to call out concerns and be a call to action.
"It's hard coming to work not knowing that you'll make it out and everyone will make it out at the end of the shift," Hodge added.
Kracht said statewide, there are also reports of violent assaults.
"If things don't change, we'll see people really, really hurt more than they are now," Kracht said.
AFSCME released a 15-page report about their concerns.
The Illinois Department of Corrections shared this statement:
"The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) recognizes the difficult and challenging situations our facility staff face every day in their efforts to keep our state safe. We deeply value and appreciate the dedication and sacrifices of our frontline employees. Ensuring the safety of our staff, individuals in custody, and everyone entering our facilities remains our top priority. While we are actively exploring options to enhance safety, measures are in place to address potential risks associated with mail handling. IDOC has a Suspicious Substance Emergency Procedure in place, which outlines the steps to be taken if a suspicious substance is discovered. Additionally, we have intensified mail screening protocols, encouraged the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and deployed tactical units to conduct targeted facility searches. We are working closely with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois State Police, and medical experts to identify the cause of recent incidents and determine long-term solutions. These efforts are focused on improving safety while ensuring individuals in custody maintain essential communications and family connections. We remain committed to working with all stakeholders, including our labor partners, to ensure a safe and secure working environment for our staff."