Manitoba Hydro Hires Safety Officers for Downtown Winnipeg HQ
Manitoba Hydro is taking steps to enhance safety at its downtown Winnipeg headquarters by hiring institutional safety officers (ISOs). This decision comes in light of an assault that recently occurred in the public atrium. An 18-year-old has been charged after attacking an employee with a knife, resulting in injuries.
Safety Measures Initiated
Following the attack, which raised concerns about security, the atrium at Manitoba Hydro Place on Portage Avenue has been closed to the public. Manitoba Hydro plans to hire three safety officers trained specifically for this role, with the first hires expected next week.
Peter Chura, a spokesperson for Manitoba Hydro, emphasized that these safety measures were already in development before the recent incident. He stated, “We are also examining potential changes to physical security measures at Manitoba Hydro Place.” For now, public access remains restricted.
Collaboration with CUPE
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is advocating for the hiring of ISOs, who possess the authority to restrain, detain, and arrest individuals when necessary. Michelle Bergen, president of CUPE Local 998, noted, “It’s a step in the right direction for health and safety improvements.”
- ISOs have previously served mainly in the healthcare sector and educational institutions.
- Recent regulatory changes now allow Manitoba Hydro to employ these safety officers.
- Approximately 2,000 employees work at the Manitoba Hydro downtown headquarters.
Next Steps for Manitoba Hydro
Manitoba Hydro has been coordinating with the provincial government to implement the new safety officer program across various facilities. Chura reassured that these initiatives were already in progress prior to the attack and are essential for improving current safety measures.
