The head of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union says the correctional officer in Thunder Bay that was taken hostage Monday night was beaten by inmates.
Warren Smokey Thomas says he’s just grateful the officer wasn’t hurt worse than he was.
Thomas says the incident highlights the issues they are trying to deal with in collective bargaining.
Thomas notes he wouldn’t want to work in overcrowded jails.
He stresses jails are woefully understaffed and guards are treated with great disrespect from the employer and inmates.
Corrections workers continue two days of voting Wednesday on a tentative contract.
