A drug counselors’ strike at the Sheridan Correctional Center enters its third day today. The north-central Illinois based prison has garnered acclaim for its policy of treating drug offenders, as opposed to simply incarcerating them.
Yesterday, the Illinois AFL-CIO called on Governor Rod Blagojevich to intervene in the work stoppage.
But Blagojevich spokesperson Rebecca Rausch says, “The governor will not get involved in a labor dispute of this kind, and hopes that both sides will continue discussions and reach some sort of resolution.”
The counselors are employed by the Gateway Foundation, which is under contract with the state to provide counselors for the facility. Gateway Foundation could not be reached for comment.
Almost 50 percent of Illinois’ prisoners are incarcerated on drug related offenses.