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Ohio Prison Union Protests Closing of Prison Farms
By: Associated Press
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – The union representing Ohio’s corrections officers is vowing to continue protesting the closing of Ohio prison farms after losing its latest court battle.
The Ohio Civil Service Employees Association said it learned Wednesday the Franklin County Common Pleas Court had dismissed its request for an injunction on the closings by citing a lack of jurisdiction.
The union sought to postpone the sale of farm assets until a grievance with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction is resolved. The unfair labor practice claim seeks to force the state to bargain over farm-related layoffs.
Prisons department spokeswoman JoEllen Smith said phasing out prison farms will improve the safety of prison staff and inmates and provide job-training opportunities that prevent inmates from returning to prison.