Corrections officers protest in Thorold

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Corrections officers protest in Thorold

JAIL GUARDS' CONTRACT EXPIRES AT END OF YEAR

Posted By SAMANTHA CRAGGS, SUN MEDIA

Corrections officers have hit the streets in their bid for a new contract.

More than 100 workers from Ontario's 32 jails gathered outside Niagara Detention Centre in Thorold Thursday to protest what they say is the government's inaction in negotiating an agreement. The current contract for more than 40,000 Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) workers, including about 8,000 corrections officers, expires Dec. 31.

The workers held an information picket, chanting, "We want a contract, we want it now." They waved signs reading, "My job, your services, our communities" and, "All I want for Christmas is a fair contract."

The provincial side of the negotiations is handled by the Ministry of Government Services, which represents various ministries in the talks.
"We're here saying, 'Bargain with us,'" said Dan Sidsworth, a member of OPSEU's provincial employee relations committee and a Milton corrections officer.

A main issue for corrections workers is the overuse of "unclassified" officers, who often work full-time hours but are considered part time by the province, said John Mengia, president of OPSEU Niagara Detention Centre local 252. There are about 1,100 officers in Ontario who do not get benefits and are called at early-morning hours to go to work, he said. Some are considered "unclassified" after 15 years.

"I was unclassified for nine years," said 19-year veteran Carol Sousa, also local unit vice-president. "I was a single parent getting 5 a. m. phone calls and trying to arrange for a babysitter."

The province has committed more police officers for Ontario's streets, yet has not boosted the full-time complement of corrections officers to match it, Dave Willis, local chief steward, said. Instead, it hires more unclassified officers. "We don't have unclassified police officers," he said. "We're an arm of the law."

The one-day picket drew workers from jails in London, Toronto and elsewhere.
The workers played Hero by Foo Fighters on repeat and tried unsuccessfully to speak to a Niagara Detention Centre superintendent.

Negotiations have been ongoing, said Ciaran Ganley, a Ministry of Government Services spokesman. As for unclassified workers, Ganley said he could not discuss specific issues that may be part of negotiations. "The government is optimistic it'll reach an agreement that is both fair and equitable to the employees, and that balances the need to provide sustainable and affordable public services," he said.

There are about 150 corrections workers at the Niagara Detention Centre.