Social Services

Justice:  Chair’s Welcome
 

Welcome to the Sector 7 Corrections website. I am thrilled to know that you have chosen to stay connected with your Sector.

At our BPS Conference in November 2009 the members have now elected three new members to our Committee. They are: David Farrugia, L.216 GR Force; Stacey Tomblin, L.309, John Howard Society of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton; and Maurice Guenard L. 262, Dawn Patrol. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Krystal Frankson, L. 548, Pat Pagnani-Valente, L.548, and Aris Marins, L. 702 who served on the Executive the last two terms. We also welcome Lester Yearwood as our Sector Negotiator, and say thank you to Steve Saysell for the time and efforts he had given us this past year - all the best, Steve! Wendy Elliott continues to be our Sector Assistant and staff resource.

Bargaining units within our sector continue to struggle. Working conditions are still not adequate and members have to navigate through a shift with limited resources. Our clients are becoming increasingly difficult and resources are not improving, but continue to get worse. The key issues emerging in the Sector are low wages, no WSIB language, poor health and safety conditions and job security.

Some of you have been taking part in the Workplace Violence training that was being provided through the Community Services Divisional Council (CSDC). Members shared stories about workplace violence and it was confirmed that we share many common interests. Some injuries were preventable. While attempts at reducing workplace violence has been at the forefront, the fact is that members are continuing to be injured and some have suffered further losses as a result of not having WSIB. Inadequate workplace injury insurance has been identified as a key issue.

In 2008 our sector suffered losses as the Ministry announced that it was closing 10 open-custody facilities across the province, six of them unionized with OPSEU. Members at Craigwood Youth Services and Transitions for Youth experienced job transfers and some job losses. Renaissance Windsor Homes, Corbyville Children's Home Inc., Rexdale Centre, and Wehonah House were closed completely. In 2009 the Ministry has announced the closure of Local 537, York Detention Centre Inc. and Locals 601 and 608, Sterling House, Northern Youth Services, affecting approximately 100 members.

This next term should be an exciting time for Sector 7 members and we will be working diligently with each of your bargaining units in the sector to build communication links with each other. We will also continue to educate, mobilize, and coordinate our efforts across the province.

In solidarity,

Jonathon Guider, Chair

Sector 7 BPS Corrections

BPS Corrections

Sector 7, BPS Corrections, represents the following workers: Youth Care Workers, Child and Youth Workers, Community Counsellors, Direct Care Workers, various Program Coordinators, Psychometrists, Psychologists, Residential Counsellors, Social Workers, Youth Workers, Team Leaders, Adolescent Workers, Cooks, Clerks, Bail Supervisors, Secretaries, Cleaners, Maintenance Workers, Students, Child Care Workers, and Nurses  

List of Bargaining Units we represent: