It's been a week since the Department of Corrections announced it was closing two of its 27 state correctional institutions -- SCI Cresson and Greensburg -- but the Pennsylvania Correctional Officers Union says the state has made few developments.

Nearly 800 employees are affected, with 500 of those in Cambria County. On Wednesday, those union members gathered at the Sankertown VFW to discuss what's next.

"They're trying to get some answers; I'm trying to hear their concerns," said Roy Pinto, president of the Corrections Officers Association.

Most of the workers concerns come from a survey regarding placing workers by preference based on seniority.

Local president of the association, Joe Fox, said workers received the correspondence on Monday and it must be postmarked by Jan. 22. Fox said workers are put in a tight spot because they needs to make a decision "for the rest of your life and we don't even know under what parameters."

Beth Sweet, whose husband works at SCI Cresson, said, "We'd have to pack up and move and leave my kids and my grandchildren and start all over."

The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections cited aging facilities and cost-effectively as reasons to close SCI Cresson and Greensburg.

The union said it can't challenge closures, but it can bargain for its members. Most workers at the meeting said they don't believe Gov. Tom Corbett was completely truthful about what he knew and when he knew it.

Some workers also questioned what is next for SCI Cresson's facility, and union members documented recent upgrades. They said millions of tax dollars had been put into SCI Cresson in recent years and they don't believe the facility will just be "bulldozed over."

Union representatives along with Sen. John Wozniak are invited to Harrisburg on Tuesday for a public hearing with the judiciary committee to hopefully get more clarification.

The Department of Corrections said the closures will save taxpayers about $35 million per year in the long run. The union, however, is questioning where the money is going and if Cresson could reopen, but the DOC said there's no plan in place for that.

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PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

Jan. 15, 2013: Report: Inmates to be moved soon from SCI Cresson

Jan. 9, 2013: Employees, elected officials learn prison closure through media

Jan. 9, 2013: SCI Cresson, Greensburg to close, SCI Benner to open

Jan. 9, 2013: Dept. of Corrections: Closure of state prisons is cost-cutting measure