TORONTO (August 17, 2012) – Several dozen correctional officers and supporters staged a successful information rally outside Toronto West Detention Centre yesterday to draw attention to the deteriorating conditions unfolding inside the facility.

The rally also drew attention to the unjust dismissal of Dan Marshall, president of OPSEU Local 519, and two other correctional officers, Terry Warling and Harbir Sidhu. The union says the dismissal of the three is a ploy by management to draw attention away from serious issues of overcrowding, understaffing and increasing inmate violence against COs.

“The firing of Dan Marshall and two of his brothers inside TWDC is a travesty and we will fight it every step of the way,” said Local 519 chief steward Mark Sabada. “But were also fighting to draw attention to the fact the ministry knows there are serious problems inside this facility and others across Ontario and unless steps are taken very soon by the government we could see a repeat of the violence following a lockdown last month at Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre in London.”

Yesterday’s information rally and BBQ at TWDC drew considerable media attention, with journalists from the Toronto Star, 680 News, CP24, OMNI television, City Pulse News and Radio-Canada all covering the event.

To read the Star’s coverage of the rally click here.