Alberta prison workers strike

[Grant Neufeld]

With the prison workers' strike expanding, there is a call for support from other unions and non-union activists.

Update from Peggy Askin:

There is a picket line at the Calgary Remand Centre, Calgary Correction Centre, and the Youth offenders Centre, 3 separate facilities in one location- 85 street NW just east of Wall Mart.

Several components of the Social Workers local 6 AUPE have now walked out in support and the actions are growing for the right to safe conditions for both correction officers and inmates.Virtually the entire AFL convention marched to the ALRB on April 27th and rallied with the workers as the decision came down against their rights. Nurses from UNA, paramedics, pharmacists, therapists from HSSA, and food workers from UFCW who work in the facilities are honouring the picket lines to defend safety.

This government is taking a law and order approach instead of resolving the problems raised by the workers and their unions. It is shameful that they are refusing to negotiate and uphold the right to safe working conditions.

Particularly as we just commemorated April 28th [international day of mourning for workers killed and injured on the job] and May Day is in two days!! The government is inflaming tensions.

I am sure the officers would like to see all the union support and social activist support they can get on their picket lines.

They may also be picketing at the Calgary Courthouse downtown as they are picketing at the downtown Edmonton courthouse.