TORONTO – The head of a major Ontario union says employees have stopped all non-essential work at a Toronto jail after eight staff members were allegedly assaulted by inmates over the weekend.

OPSEU President Warren “Smokey” Thomas says the alleged assault took place on Saturday at the Toronto South Detention Centre.

Thomas says at least two of the workers were sent to hospital after the alleged incident, though they have since been released.

He says staffing levels at the jail are inadequate, adding the union will be pushing to see more people on each shift.

Thomas says the labour disruption involves about 200 facility staff, who will only carry out essential duties.

Toronto police say they’re aware of the disruption, but had no details on its impact or on the alleged assault that triggered it. Ontario’s Ministry of Corrections did not immediately respond to request for comment.

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