FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 11, 2002
Managers obstructing restraining orders, OPSEU members say
TORONTO - Management is obstructing the serving of restraining orders and other important work in the justice system, OPSEU members say. Workers are committed to doing essential duties, but managers continue to obstruct and harass union members trying to perform important work.
Sheriff’s Office - An acting manager at the Peel Region Sheriff’s Office is severely restricting the Officers in the serving of restraining orders, and behaving abusively, say OPSEU members. She is obstructing peace officers by restricting the use of court vehicles and limiting mileage, and restricting Sheriff’s
Officers to one attempt to serve restraining orders. OPSEU members have filed a grievance against this manager for harassment.
Sheriff’s Officers say they need to make every attempt to ensure the responding party receives restraining orders promptly, and say management’s actions are putting families at risk.
Probation and Parole - A manager at the Black Creek office harassed, intimidated and had the police escort OPSEU members out of the office in front of clients yesterday. The manager later locked 18 Probation and Parole officers in the office waiting room.
Officer Norma McCullough refused to either violate client confidentiality or jeopardize her own health and safety by interviewing potentially violent offenders alone. She said her manager then screamed at her in front of co-workers and within hearing of clients. “This employer is treating us like garbage by
embarrassing, bullying and harassing us,” said McCullough.
OPSEU President Leah Casselman said management’s obstruction and harassment is putting lives at risk and will not be tolerated. “These incredibly destructive tactics by management will only harden the resolve of OPSEU members on strike, both inside and on the picket lines, ” said Casselman.
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For more information contact:
David Cox, OPSEU Communications 416-443-8888 x 314
Judy Storey-Paul, OPSEU 416-638-9826
