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“Government decision-makers need to act now to reduce the potential for violence. Until significant changes are made, the safety of the public, inmates and corrections staff is at risk." — Bob Bymoen SGEU Presdient.
Regina (09 July 2014) — Escalating gang-driven violence, chronic overcrowding and understaffing in all the adult correctional centres compounded by questionable management strategies is moving the corrections system closer to a crisis point, according to the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees Union (SGEU/NUPGE).
Overcrowding, double bunking, lack of meaningful work and programs contributing to problems in correctional facilities
“Frontline staff are frustrated with what seems to be a hopeless situation. Corrections workers are committed to maintaining public safety and ensuring the security of inmates and other employees. But the pressures are building and there is a constant danger of events spiralling out of control,” says SGEU President Bob Bymoen.
A fight between two rival gangs in the Saskatoon Correctional Centre (SCC) yard on June 29 resulted in two inmates being sent to hospital with stab wounds, staff safety put at risk, and an institutional lockdown. A new direction called ‘gang sprinkling’ — the merging of gang members within the institution — is one of the factors leading to unpredictable and potentially explosive situations, says Bymoen.
“Overcrowding, double bunking, and a lack of meaningful work and programming for inmates is becoming accepted as the norm,” says Bymoen. “We have already had one inmate death in remand in Saskatoon. How much worse does it have to get before the government takes action?”
“A government decision to put on hold the construction of a new remand centre in Saskatoon has intensified the overcrowding problem, and the recently-announced closure of the Battlefords Community Correctional Centre will further aggravate the situation,” he says.
Management listening device found in all-staff area adds to already high stress levels
There is little relief from the pressures of a high-stress workplace for corrections staff. Many workers are denied vacation leave, and part-time staff are being pressured into working full-time hours due to understaffing. “Frontline workers need time away from the institution, to spend with their families, to recuperate from the tension they experience at work on a daily basis,” says Bymoen.
An already tense staff-management relationship has been strained by a recent incident at the SCC in which a listening device, disguised as a smoke detector, was discovered by workers in the remand centre staff kitchen. “The area is off-limits to inmates. It is a staff-only space, so why was a listening device installed there?” asks Bymoen. Management says the plan was to test new intercom technology, and that the microphone was there only for testing purposes. However, the device was left in the staff room for over a month before it was identified and removed. Staff say they consider the action an invasion of privacy.
Management’s handling of staff disciplinary procedures is further contributing to a poisoned environment. Several investigations have dragged on for many months, and some for as long as a year, resulting in stress and mental anguish for the individuals involved. “Staff deserve to have these situations addressed in a timely manner. This is one more example of how the ministry has failed to effectively manage the workplace,” says Bymoen.
Correctons staff need support and resources to carry out duties under such difficult working conditions
“Staff working in a potentially volatile environment need higher levels of support and appropriate resources. Management needs to listen and respond to their concerns. We call on government to allocate more resources to ensure suitable facilities, adequate staffing levels and training opportunities. Clearly, there needs to be a focus on bolstering staff recruitment and retention strategies,” he adds.
“Government decision-makers need to act now to reduce the potential for violence. Until significant changes are made, the safety of the public, inmates and corrections staff is at risk,” says Bymoen.
NUPGE
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