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After the union that represents the guards learned on Thursday about the asbestos guards have not reported to work for their Thursday evening or Friday morning work detail. There are about 10 guards per shift. It's not clear on how many refused to work.

"At the moment we're satisfied that managers are safely managing the situation there," said Sheri Aikenhead, a spokeswoman for the provincial Justice Department.

"If the RCMP are required, they will be called upon."

Last month the asbestos was discovered in piping in some areas of the jail. The jail is 33 years old. Aikenhead said that air testing done May 8 failed to find any traces of the mineral.

"Asbestos, if it's left undisturbed, doesn't pose an immediate threat to anyone," Aikenhead said.

According to the union the guards are within their rights because of the provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act. If they feel that they are in danger business of work related issues they can demand to have a through investigation completed before they go back on the clock.

The prison violated their rights by not informing their employees as soon as the asbestos was found.

"Everybody should have been notified when they found out there was asbestos found in the wrap on those pipes. They refused to do that," Gordie Gosse, a New Democrat in the legislature for Cape Breton Nova said.


"It's like taking a handful of fish hooks and eating them. Your lungs can't get rid of it."