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Early statistics for 2016 suggest levels of violence are increasing and the number of assaults will be even higher this year.
Vancouver (03 May 2016) — The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) has requested a meeting with WorkSafeBC representatives to develop a plan to address the increasing number of inmate assaults on correctional officers in provincial prisons.
Number of attacks on correctional officers up 39% from 2014–2015
In a letter to WorkSafeBC President and CEO Diana Miles, the BCGEU/NUPGE cites the increased number of attacks on officers in 2015, up 39 per cent from 2014, and the already high number of assaults in 2016.
WorkSafeBC completed comprehensive inspections of all 9 provincial prisons in 2013. These inspections uncovered serious health and safety violations and 58 orders were issued. The BCGEU/NUPGE continues to believe the increasing violence, and assaults on staff, are the result of dangerous officer-to-inmate ratios that need to be addressed.
More information:
Letter to Worksafe BC President and CEO
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 360,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE