AFSCME Rallies Against Privatization of Iowa Prison Health Care

Protest in Iowa Against Privatization of Prison Health Services

Photo Credit: AFSCME Council 61

Last week in Fort Madison, Iowa, members of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 61 organized a demonstration to oppose the state's plans to transfer prison health care management to a private entity. The protest highlighted concerns over safety and accountability in correctional facilities.

In an effort to maintain public oversight and quality of care, union members, accompanied by legislators and supporters, campaigned for the rejection of privatization proposals. These proposals, currently under state consideration, have sparked fears of declining care standards, unsafe conditions, increased litigation, and higher costs for taxpayers, as evidenced by similar moves in other states.

AFSCME has been a longstanding opponent of privatizing public services, including prison operations. Todd Copley, president of AFSCME Council 61, emphasized the risks involved: “When states privatize prison health systems, they gamble with the lives of inmates and workers.” Copley praised the dedication and expertise of Iowa's correctional staff, asserting that public employees are crucial for maintaining safe and transparent operations within the facilities.

Privatization of health care services, according to Copley, could jeopardize the benefits that correctional workers currently receive through the Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS), which many have worked hard to secure.

AFSCME Council 61, representing over 40,000 public employees in Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas, including those working in correctional facilities, continues its advocacy for public management of prison health care, urging state authorities to reconsider the move towards privatization.