Union for Federal Prison Officers Seeks Immediate Action After Assault of Female Staff Member

WASHINGTON, Aug. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council of Prison Locals (CPL) of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is saddened and outraged to learn that a female staff worker in the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) was sexually assaulted by an inmate during her work shift.

The incident occurred today at the United States Penitentiary in Tucson, Ariz. by an inmate who confronted the 20-year agency veteran with a weapon. The employee, an AFGE member, was alone at the time of the attack.

"First and foremost, our sincerest sympathies go out to the victim and her family," said CPL President Bryan Lowry. "Our top priority is the safety of the work force and we will do everything in our power to support her and help her through this most difficult time. Furthermore, this incident highlights the dangers of working inside a federal prison when it is not properly staffed. We are committed to fighting for the resources we need to keep our workers safe," Lowry added.

BOP staff members are often called upon to perform multiple tasks, including duties performed by correctional officers. Workers inside federal prisons are unarmed, leaving them vulnerable to attacks by inmates with homemade weapons.

"This is an absolute travesty," said AFGE National President John Gage. "The entire union is standing with our sister during this difficult time and AFGE will not rest until every BOP worker gets the protection they deserve," added Gage.

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union, representing 625,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia.

SOURCE American Federation of Government Employees

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