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Bargaining 2008/2009
OPSEU calls on Youth Minister to initiate task force
March 19, 2009
The Hon. Deb Matthews
Minister of Children and Youth Services
Queen’s Park
Dear Minister,
As you are aware, on March 3 OPSEU called for a task force to
examine many of the problems that are plaguing Ontario’s adult and youth
correctional system.
Specifically, we want the probe to examine overcrowding and its
effects on youth and staff; the physical conditions of provincial facilities;
reinstituting programs for youths, many of which were cut by the Mike Harris
regime; and training for staff on communicable disease control and
identification of gang activity.
For well over 20 years, OPSEU has been calling on successive
governments to address the problems in adult and youth corrections. During that
same time, we have watched problems grow worse instead of get better. The time
for action is now.
Now that the Corrections Bargaining Unit has ratified their
collective agreement, we look for your firm commitment to initiate this task
force. We believe this independent review is vital and necessary to ensure that
we do not spend another 20 years waiting for change. Our members deserve nothing
less.
Sincerely,
Original signed by:
Warren (Smokey) Thomas
President
Ontario Public Service Employees Union
Glenna Caldwell
Chair
OPSEU Children and Youth Services MERC
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