AFSCME MARYLAND STATEMENT ON INJURED OFFICERS AT NORTH BRANCH CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
November 21, 2017
Contact:
Jazzmen Knoderer
443-562-1118
[email protected]
BALTIMORE – AFSCME Maryland Local 898 President Jeff Grabenstein released the following statement in response to an incident today at North Branch Correctional Institution in Cumberland during which two correctional officers sustained injuries:
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the wounded officers and their families. Just days after the state’s budget analysts found that Maryland government is critically understaffed, hardworking public service employees nearly lost their lives today because of the unsafe working conditions allowed to continue under this administration.
“We have consistently warned the Hogan administration that an incident like this was inevitable because of the ongoing staffing crisis in state-run jails, hospitals and departments across Maryland.
“Governor Hogan has publicly attacked AFSCME members – calling them political operatives – for telling the truth about the dangers we face every day. Instead of stooping to name-calling, the Governor’s time would be better spent working on solutions to improve public services and keep our communities safe.
“Without action from Governor Hogan to address this crisis, hardworking public service employees remain in danger every day on the job.”
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