Union's claims about Yukon group homes 'myths and inaccuracies', gov't says

Yukon government officials are rejecting union claims that its residential group homes for youth are dangerously understaffed, calling those statements"myths and inaccuracies."

Last week, Yukon Employees Union president Steve Geicksaid group home staff and youth are regularly put at risk because those homes are not adequately staffed.

• Workers, children unsafe in gov't group homes: Yukon Employees Union

"I don'tknow whereSteveGeickis getting his data or how he is drawing those conclusions," said Mike Healey, who manages the ResidentalYouth Treatment Services (RYTS).

"We currently employ a full complement of our staff, and actually we're quite pleased to announce that we have a full complement of staff right now."

Three years ago, the Yukon Workers' CompensationHealth and Safety Boardinvestigated the RYTS program, after there were 21 workplace injuries reported over an 18 month period.

Andrew Robulack of the board says that lead to a safety audit.

"One of the big outcomes of the safety audit was they did put a very comprehensive safety plan in place which they continue to follow," he said.

Robulack addsthere is a newinvestigation now underway, into an injury report from a group home staff member.

Government officials say they are not aware of the investigation.