April 10, 2017 - This morning, shortly after the beginning of the daylight shift, a correctional officer was assaulted at North Branch Correctional Institution (NBCI). The officer was rushed to a hospital, and we can report that he is in stable condition.
On behalf of AFSCME Local 898, representing Western Maryland correctional institution employees, we send our deepest regards and prayers to the correctional officer and his family. We commit to continuing our struggle for safer conditions in our facilities so that every measure to prevent this from happening again is taken.
Although there are many unknown factors as to how this happened, we, as a union, have repeatedly warned the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) about the unsafe conditions and high turnover caused by short staffing.
This is exactly what happens when those warnings go unheeded.
This tragic event reaffirms our commitment to safer workplaces for State of Maryland employees and quality services for citizens of Maryland.
The fight continues.
In solidarity,
Jeff Grabenstein
President, AFSCME Local 898