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"On behalf of the entire National Union, I want to offer our sincere condolences to the member's friends and family. To the members of the MGEU/NUPGE, our hearts are with you as you grieve this loss." — James Clancy, NUPGE National President.
Winnipeg (07 Nov. 2014) — The Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) is deeply saddened by the news of a one-vehicle accident involving two Manitoba Correctional Officers who were transporting six inmates from The Pas to Dauphin this morning. The accident occurred at approximately 9:45 a.m. on Highway 10, south of The Pas, and slippery road conditions were considered a factor.
Union mourns loss of correctional worker after an accident on the job
The RCMP has confirmed that a correctional officer died at the scene as a result of the injuries sustained in the accident. The other correctional officer involved in the accident was transported to hospital in stable condition, while the inmates being transported suffered minor injuries and were taken to hospital as a precaution.
"On behalf of all of us here at the MGEU/NUPGE, I’d like to express my condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of our member who passed away. Our member in hospital right now is also in our thoughts as we hope for a full and quick recovery," said MGEU President Michelle Gawronsky. "Transportation of inmates is just one of the difficult and dangerous parts of a correctional officer’s job, and this tragedy is a terrible reminder of the risks they take for us every day."
Gawronsky said she can't remember the last time a Correctional Officer has died in the line of duty. "Correctional officers work together daily, as a team, under difficult circumstances and there is a real sense of family among them. A death of one of their own, hits them all."
National Union President offers condolences to member's family and friends
"Any time a worker is killed performing his or her duties, it is a very sad day," said James Clancy, National President of the National Union of Public and General Employees, MGEU's national union. "On behalf of the entire National Union, I want to offer our sincere condolences to the member's friends and family. To the members of the MGEU/NUPGE, our hearts are with you as you grieve this loss."
"When people go to work, no one expects not to come home at the end of their shift. This tragic accident reminds us that our work is important but can also be dangerous. To the injured correctional officer, know that we are with you during this difficult time," said Clancy.
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The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 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