BCGEU President Stephanie Smith toured the North Fraser Pretrial Centre yesterday morning with Dean Purdy, Vice President, Corrections and Sheriff Services Component 1 and the Component 1 executive. President Smith has now visited all correctional facilities across the province:

The number of inmates in federal prisons who intentionally harm themselves has more than tripled over the past decade, spiking again last year, prompting Canada’s correctional investigator to call for changes to ensure such prisoners are treated as patients who require medical care.

Merritt RCMP would like to return to the number of jail guards it once had available to watch over prisoners at the police station’s cells.

Marcus Oliver Beg thinks he’s God and that no one understands the magnitude of his powers. Others, including the police, think he’s violent, erratic and unpredictable.

To:    All BCGEU Members at North Fraser Pretrial Centre
Re:    Worksite Visit

There have been no cuts to the ranks of Nanaimo’s prison guards as the City of Nanaimo drafts a resolution.

As we have previously advised, the potential for BC Nurse picket lines at B.C. Government worksites exist because of two disputes which involve the nurses. Unfortunately, BC Nurses have not coordinated or shared their plans with the BCGEU or other unions in the labour movement.

A shortage of sheriffs has raised concerns that the funding of B.C.'s justice system is inadequate and some accused criminals are walking free.

The BCGEU has recently been informed that due to two unrelated disputes, nurses at a number of facilities in B.C. – including Child and Youth Mental Health, Corrections, Road Safety B.C., and Vital Statistics – may be taking job action in the near future.
 
We do not anticipate that picket lines will go up immediately, and we expect to be able to provide specific details (e.g. dates/times and essential services levels) and support prior to picket lines going up.
 
Unfortunately, the BC Nurses have not been coordinating with other unions at their worksites, so if you do encounter an unexpected picket line at your work site, please do the following: