FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 18, 2000

MEDIA ADVISORY

Angry correctional officers protest destruction of jobs, service

HAMILTON - Provincial correctional staff from as far away as London and Peterborough will be on hand tomorrow to welcome Ontario Corrections Minister Rob Sampson to the Bell Cairn Training Centre in Hamilton.

Date: Friday, February 18, 2000
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Place: Bell Cairn Training Centre
       467 Beach Boulevard, HAMILTON

The correctional officers and others will protest the planned destruction of the Ontario correctional system through privatization and the ongoing destruction of quality public service jobs through the misuse of contract employees. Leah Casselman, president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union and a correctional officer at the Syl Apps Youth Centre in Oakville, will attend.

“There is a direct link between the quality and safety of correctional services and the quality of jobs,” said Casselman. “Safe, quality services demand jobs that are full-time professional careers, not short-term contracts with no pensions or benefits.”

On Nov. 19, Sampson’s Ministry announced plans to privatize every aspect of correctional services, from community escorts to the new superjail at Penetanguishene - changes that Sampson should mention when he speaks to the new graduates of the Bell Cairn Correctional Officer training program, Casselman said.

 “I hope he’s telling them about the 1,000 layoffs he’s planning for Ontario Correctional Officers,” said Casselman. “I hope he’s telling them how privatization will drive down their wages and force them to fight like hell for benefits or any pension at all. I hope he tells them he’s created a hostile environment to work in. I hope he mentions that his Ministry tries to eliminate secure full time jobs whenever possible.”

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 For more information: Randy Robinson (416) 315-2982