(Radio Iowa) – The union that represents employees in Iowa prisons says it’s time for the governor to respond to a disturbing trend. AFSCME Council 61 president Todd Copley says union members report there have been at least 150 assaults on prison staff since January.

Copley held a news conference in the statehouse this (Thursday) morning and told reporters the staff in the state prisons fear retaliation if they raise safety concerns.

A spokesman for the governor says Reynolds knows correctional officers work in a hostile environment and that’s why she’s worked diligently with prison managers to increase staff and improve safety and security at the facilities.

AFSCME Council 61 president Todd Copley speaks at a news conference on Oct. 3, 2024. (RI photo)

Last week, the union said two prison employees were attacked by an inmate at the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison. Copley says the inmate ripped the metal leg off a desk in his cell and used it as a weapon.

According to Copley, one of the guards was hit in the face and has a number of fractured bones, while the other was stabbed 11 times, tearing his uniform and scratching his skin. The Iowa Department of Corrections has said it doesn’t comment on open investigations.