In a display of solidarity with striking correctional officers in Alberta, representatives from the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) and its affiliates (including MGEU President Michelle Gawronsky) have sent a message of solidarity to AUPE members who are taking a stand to defend their safety on the job.

Alberta Correctional members have been on strike since late last week, when employees were suspended for complaining about safety issues at a newly-built jail. The AUPE says the open-concept design of the $580-million mega-jail poses serious risks to officers and inmates.

In response to the suspensions, members at the Edmonton Remand Centre responded by walking off the job and news quickly spread to other Alberta correction facilities, where other members joined the wildcat strike.

This past Saturday, the Alberta Labour Board issued a back-to-work order, making the strike illegal. However, a number of correctional officers ignored the order. On Monday, court sheriffs, social workers and clerks in Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge and other communities walked off the job in solidarity.

“They [Alberta Corrections members] have taken a courageous stand and must be applauded for doing so,” says NUPGE President, Jim Clancy. “Our members express the very same concerns that are being voiced by your members. This includes problems with overcrowding, inadequate staffing levels, improper or nonexistent personal protective equipment and a general lack of support from management and government.”

Correctional officers at the Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre, members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE), embarked on a right to refuse unsafe work dispute with the Province in August 2012.

In that instance, members stood strong and by mobilizing member support OPSEU/NUPGE was able to negotiate a successful resolution and implement new protections for its members. To help find a resolution to the dispute in Alberta, NUPGE has offered its expertise or any other assistance the union can provide to help reach a resolution.

Yesterday, President Clancy also sent a letter to Alberta’s Premier, Alison Redford, urging her and her government to address the concerns being expressed by the women and men who work in the province's correctional facilities.

“The decision to suspend the two officers who raised health and safety concerns at the Edmonton Remand Centre is unacceptable,” says Clancy. “The women and men who work in these facilities risk their health and safety every day on our collective behalf. Instead of a punitive approach, the administration of the Remand Centre should be collaborating with these individuals.”