It’s not just unfair to require federal corrections officers to work without pay during government shutdowns; it’s downright dangerous.
Here we go again—facing another round of potential government closures. For the correctional officers at Thomson Federal Prison, and countless others across the U.S., they have to don their uniforms and take on one of the most challenging and perilous jobs, all while waiting for Congress to decide on their pay. Can you imagine? It’s pretty shocking. And yes, it’s definitely hazardous.
Reflecting on the 2019 shutdown that dragged on for 35 days, those corrections officers were on duty— tasked with maintaining order in federal prisons and navigating some of the most unpredictable situations, all without a paycheck. Just think about the struggle to cover rent, fill up the gas tank for those needed drives, or put food on the table for their children.
During that period, food banks turned into crucial lifelines for staff at Thomson and beyond. This isn’t an exaggeration; many whose job is to ensure public safety found themselves relying on charity to make ends meet. As living expenses rise, it’s becoming increasingly hard for more officers to support their families.
Some even faced tough decisions about raising their kids, pondering whether to stay home and risk their jobs or leave their children behind. This situation is about more than just finances; it’s about dignity, stability, and peace of mind.
This issue extends beyond Thomson. Federal prisons across the nation struggle with hiring and retaining qualified staff. Shutdowns only exacerbate the problem. Why would anyone risk their life day in and day out for a paycheck that’s lower than what local police earn, and then be told they need to wait for their wages? It’s frustrating, to say the least.
Sadly, there seems to be a growing sentiment that their work goes unappreciated. It’s a troubling situation.
Correctional officers are, essentially, law enforcement personnel. They face significant risks on the job, with their suicide rates being seven times higher than that of the general population—even more than police officers. This is a tough and high-stress environment, and it becomes even more taxing with financial instability.
When you constantly worry about paying bills, it leads to burnout, mental health issues, and unpredictable mistakes, putting everyone—both staff and inmates—at risk.
Meanwhile, those responsible for these government disruptions continue to receive their salaries, while those actually doing the work struggle to afford basic necessities.
Congress needs to acknowledge the reality: every shutdown adversely affects real people. It impacts the families of corrections officers who have to explain to their kids why they can’t buy groceries. It hinders the mental well-being of employees already under immense pressure. And consistently, it pushes skilled individuals away from these critical roles, compromising the safety of our communities.
The call to Congress is simple: Support law enforcement, draft budgets that fully fund the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and stop treating corrections officers as an afterthought. Don’t force them to choose between unpaid work and job security. They shouldn’t have to rely on food banks. They deserve timely payment for their important service—their commitment deserves nothing less.
