Systemic Change Program
The Systemic Change Program was ordered by the Grievance
Settlement Board (GSB) on August 1, 1995. It was originally intended to
redress gender discrimination and sexual harassment issues in
Corrections as a result of a grievance filed by Cheryl O’Brien.
Ten years later, in November 2005, the mandate of the
program was formally expanded to include anti-racism as a result of the
human rights decision in the McKinnon case. The Committee and Program
are now known as the Systemic and Anti-Racism Organizational Change (SAROC)
Steering Committee and SAROC Program.
OPSEU and the Ministry of Community Safety and
Correctional Services are working together to achieve the following:
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The elimination of barriers to full workplace
participation for women, racialized and Aboriginal employees in all
aspects of employment
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The design and implementation of positive and
supportive measures to promote the equality of women, racialized and
Aboriginal employees.
The parties are currently engaged in the implementation
of Local SAROCCs in pilot sites across the province. The local SAROCCs
play a critical role in facilitating systemic and long-term changes in
Corrections. They will:
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Provide leadership, resources and ongoing support
for the implementation of SAROC initiatives in their workplaces
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Ensure that all external/community members are
included in planning meetings
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Monitor physical work location for adherence to the
principles and objectives of the SAROC program
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Act as coordinator for the Mentoring Program
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Attempt to resolve disputes, if any, related to the
implementation of SAROC initiatives
Bebe De Freitas, Human Rights Officer within OPSEU’s
Equity Unit, is currently working on this initiative full-time on behalf
of our Union.
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