In a move that has shocked the BCGEU, the B.C. Government today announced the closure of female youth offender units in Prince George and Victoria.

The BCGEU has been told the Ministry of Children and Family Development, which oversees youth corrections, plans to close the female units in Victoria and Prince George. They’re going to centralize services for female youth offenders in one unit located in Burnaby.

“We’re at the bargaining table with the B.C. Government, yet we weren’t given any advance notice of these closures,” said BCGEU President Darryl Walker.  “Frankly, we’re dismayed and concerned. These cuts are unnecessary. Once again the government has refused to consult front line workers before making significant program cuts.”

“The facilities on the chopping block have allowed female youth offenders to remain in the same region as their family members. So much for the B.C. Government’s families first agenda and the BC Jobs Plan,” said Walker.

More than two-dozen BCGEU members, who hold permanent jobs in corrections, will be affected by the closures. Six jobs will be cut in Prince George and 17 in Victoria. The union expects auxiliary staff members will also be affected.

“The timing of this announcement in the middle of negotiations isn’t helpful. It’s creating additional issues for the parties to resolve,” said Walker. “As well, these cuts are short sighted given the anticipated increase in youth incarceration flowing from Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s federal crime bill.”