Sudbury jail workers rally to highlight understaffing, training issues

Morning North4:01OPSEU raising concern over working conditions at Sudbury jail

The union representing correctional officers and support staff at the Sudbury jail is calling for better work conditions. Local OPSEU president Nathan Aubin shared some of the concerns that are causing workers to raise the alarm.Sudbury's jail workers are calling for better working conditions.

They held a rally on Monday with other Ontario Public Service Employees Unions across the province.

OPSEU Local 617 president Nathan Aubin told CBC News jail employees are facing challenges due to limited resources.

We just want our issues to be addressed properly. Correctional officers daily face violence, threats, [and] attacks by inmates. And we do a good job, he said.

Jail workers are also raising concerns about failing infrastructure at the Sudbury facility.

Last month, it was confirmed that asbestos was found during renovations to the jail's ventilation system. As a result, some areas of the building remain closed.

Aubin said the situation has hurt the morale of workers but that's not the only issue that's making them feel uneasy.

[We're] consistently understaffed. People have ... added workload issues, without the proper equipment as well as the training.

Aubin said workers may strike if a contract agreement is not reached.

About 1,100 Sudbury OPSEU members are bargaining with the province to renew their contract, which expired on Dec. 31.