“This union is essentially concerned about the reality of the working conditions that police officers and penitentiary operators have in prisons,” said the union’s lawyer, Joaquín Abal.

He said that they have joined the claim of more than 450 prison operators.

As proof, they will rely on the medical records of those affected.

The union is calling for an allowance for unhealthy labor for those in uniform who work in prisons, and for the firefighters.

SUPU representatives met with Interior Minister Carlos Negro yesterday, to whom they also presented claims for salary arrears.

Uruguay has one of the highest prison population rates on the continent.

Two weeks ago, the parliamentary commissioner for prisons, Juan Miguel Petit, proposed a ‘State Pact’ with about 40 measures to reform the prison system.

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