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Cover photo from @IWW_IWOC

Today, Florida prisoners launched #OperationPUSH, a work strike in protest of prison slavery, high canteen prices, and for the reinstitution of parole and other basic freedoms. Currently news from the inside is slow getting out, however some facilities in Florida are reportedly not accepting visitors and are on lockdown.

On the outside, solidarity rallies, banner drops, and demonstrations of solidarity are taking place in support of #OperationPUSH, as media and publications from Newsweek to Shadowproof have been covering the lead up to the strike. The Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee (IWOC) of the IWW, has also released an audio interview with a prisoner about the strike.

Watch this page for updates on both the strike and actions of solidarity.

Updates:

January 15th:

Strike begins. Solidarity demonstrations take place in various Florida locations as well as across the US. Many people express solidarity at various MLK day marches and actions.

Solidarity demonstration announced outside of central book and intake in Baltimore, Maryland on January 15th, at 5 PM, EST. More info here.

Solidarity demonstration announced at Columbus Circle in New York, New York on January 15th, at 2 PM, EST. More info here.

January 16th:

Solidarity demonstrations continue. Small trickle of information comes out about the impact of the strike from IWOC and others. In Tallahassee, Florida, The Dream Defenders participate in protest that leads to one arrest. They return later to rally for their comrade and they are released. SPARC reports that 50 people are demonstrating at the North Florida RMC

It is now day 2 of the #OperationPUSH prisoners strike in Florida. Reports are coming out the visitation and communication have been cut at several prisons, and retaliation from guards as well. How are you helping today to spread the word and supporting their radical efforts? — basura (@HalfAtlanta) January 16, 2018

#OperationPUSH Update Communication from inside went completely silent starting yesterday. The only logical answer is repression tactics – lock downs, sweeps… At least two contacts were put in confinement w/o reason. They said dozens more were also locked up before the strike. — IWOC (@IWW_IWOC) January 16, 2018

https://twitter.com/SlaveryPrison/status/953040379720491013

Angela Davis shouting out Operation PUSH!!!! 由 Gabrielle Amanda 发布于 2018年1月16日周二

January 17th:

Solidarity demonstrations continue. Graffiti written in solidarity in Durham, and a solidarity rally is held in Norfolk, Virginia.

It’s Day 3 of #OperationPUSH and the momentum continues on the outside as we work to get word from inside. All of our inside contacts are still silent. We’ve heard rumors of what’s happening inside, but want to verify before broadcasting. — IWOC (@IWW_IWOC) January 17, 2018

January 18th:

Reports come in that the State is attempting to single out organizers and politicized prisoners and isolate them. IWOC reports that phones are being shut off.

Phone zap called for on Monday, January 20th.

Day 4 of #OperationPUSH ! We’re beginning to receive word from inside. Prison officials moved quickly to lock up organizers, who are now

being held for investigation. Still waiting on news back from other facilities. — IWOC (@IWW_IWOC) January 18, 2018

#OperationPUSH Update Avon Park prison has taken further punitive steps by shutting off all phones within the facility. This action was taken Tuesday and is still ongoing, denying these political prisoners their right to inform their loved ones that they are safe. — IWOC (@IWW_IWOC) January 18, 2018

Update on #OperationPUSH via the SPARC Facebook page: key organizers of the strike were snatched up and placed in solitary confinement.https://t.co/ZkxhIsq0Yi pic.twitter.com/OgE9L77g6P — basura (@HalfAtlanta) January 18, 2018

January 19th:

IWOC releases new information about the widespread impact of Operation PUSH, and reports that prisoners took part in the strike at facilities across the state. They also report that prison officials are coming down hard on prison rebels and those seen as organizers. Interview with It’s Going Down released, IWOC organizer states that inmates are being threatened with being placed in solitary confinement or labeled gang members for associating with IWOC and other organizations. In Nebraska, coordinated banner drops take place.

Day 5 of #OperationPUSH Getting MUCH more mail from the inside. Strike activity reported in: Santa Rosa

Jackson

Gulf

Avon Park

Franklin

Holmes

Everglades

Hamilton Reception and Medical Center

Liberty

Lowell

Columbia

Florida State Prison

Suwannee

Tomoka

Calhoun

Martin — IWOC (@IWW_IWOC) January 19, 2018

Social Media Roundup:

Banner reads

"Fire to the jails ? Ⓐ?" pic.twitter.com/pZby6EgZIA — Omaha ABC (@OmahaABC) January 19, 2018

We currently have a full room in our @workersworld #OperationPUSH solidarity teach-in on prison abolition + prison uprisings! pic.twitter.com/TCdygA3E5h — basura (@HalfAtlanta) January 19, 2018

⚡️⚡️#OperationPUSH PHONE ZAP MONDAY Jan 22⚡️⚡️ Dozens of prison strikers are being held in solitary. It's time to put the FDC on notice that there is a nationwide movement behind them. Retweet if you or your organization plans on joining. #SolidarityWithPUSH ⚡️?⚡️ pic.twitter.com/v0ifBzYvV5 — IWOC (@IWW_IWOC) January 18, 2018

BREAKING: The activist with @Dreamdefenders that was arrested during the #OperationPUSH solidarity rally at the Florida DOC earlier today is out of jail! — FightToxicPrisons (@FightXPrisons) January 17, 2018

https://www.instagram.com/p/BeDyWppgt5L/?tagged=operationpush

From SPARC: "50 deep at North FL RMC prison protest. Look out DOC, the solidarity just keeps growing!" #OperationPUSH pic.twitter.com/HYs0AnB5qN — It's Going Down (@IGD_News) January 16, 2018

BREAKING: Dream Defender Arrested at #OperationPUSH Solidarity Rally

Our friends @Dreamdefenders held a rally at the Florida Department of Corrections in solidarity with #OperationPUSH. They were violently pushed out and one person was arrested. #EndPrisonSlavery — FightToxicPrisons (@FightXPrisons) January 16, 2018

We were violently pushed out of the FL Department of Corrections and one of ours was arrested. #operationPUSH — Dream Defenders (@Dreamdefenders) January 16, 2018

We're keeping the pressure on the Florida DOC in solidarity with #OperationPUSH strikers. Hands off incarcerated workers! Honor the demands! pic.twitter.com/3zGW1ChBwO — IWOC (@IWW_IWOC) January 16, 2018

https://twitter.com/AFAPHX/status/953008463713484800

Red and black flags fly as members of the bay area @_IWW and @iwoc_oakland march in solidarity with #OperationPUSH and the #96hours of direct action on #MLKDay2018 in #Oakland. pic.twitter.com/5pDNjG3Cpw — It's Going Down (@IGD_News) January 16, 2018

Justice for Corey Lee Sutton Jr. , sentenced to 58 years at the age of 14. His mother is out here joining the many other friends and family rallying in support of striking Florida prisoners on #MLKDay for #OperationPUSH pic.twitter.com/41zQKdAnTs — IWOC (@IWW_IWOC) January 15, 2018

#OperationPUSH Solidarity demo at RMC Lake Butler, FL. We could see prison workers through the fences waving! pic.twitter.com/sKSLomR8EI — “The New Thoreau”????? (@TheNewThoreau) January 15, 2018

Looks as though some local revolutionaries wanted to send love and solidarity to striking prisoners in Florida this MLK day! Operation PUSH begins today in honor of MLK's commitment to the Black freedom struggle and labor. #OperationPush pic.twitter.com/Ip4aloVqAB — Raleigh-Durham IWW (@triangleiww) January 15, 2018

Prison strike is under way across Florida prisons. Supporters posting yard signs to make sure everyone in Florida knows. #OperationPUSH pic.twitter.com/uIu6xl1IQZ — IWOC (@IWW_IWOC) January 15, 2018

Salute from JLS to all the comrades laying down for the strike in Florida today. #OperationPUSH #MLKDay — Jailhouse Lawyers Speak #PrisonRebellion (@JailLawSpeak) January 15, 2018

#OperationPUSH rally in Miami in solidarity with striking prisoners across Florida. pic.twitter.com/5MUXY3auqr — ❤️Black Rose/Rosa Negra? (@BRRN_Fed) January 15, 2018

Solidarity with striking prisoners rally outside of the Florida Department of Corrections Miami office. Abolish the prison system. Abolish ICE. End prison slavery. #OperationPUSH pic.twitter.com/9ifVPQ19j1 — Thomas Kennedy (@tomaskenn) January 15, 2018

https://twitter.com/diasporadical_z/status/952986451943227392