FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 21, 2001

Managers refuse to allow search of superjail

MILTON – Untrained managers at the giant Maplehurst Correctional Complex are refusing to allow Correctional Officers do essential service searches of the institution, in contravention of an order of the Ontario Labour Relations Board.

In one incident, an office manager left three dangerous inmates alone in the medication room with a female nurse. “If we did that, we would be suspended,” said Jim Richards, vice-president of OPSEU Local 234 at the facility.

The Labour Board ruled last weekend that striking correctional staff must perform their essential duties, beginning with a search of the institution to make sure there was no contraband or weapons smuggled inside. More than 60 guards turned up for duty and were kept waiting for eight hours today with pay, only to be told their services were not required.

“We are trying to comply with the order under the essential services agreement, but they have refused to allow us to do the search for the past seven days,” Richards said. “It’s very frustrating. We’ve met the requirements of the ruling, but they will not let us follow them.”

No trained Correctional Officers have been allowed into the prisoners’ area of the jail since the strike began, now in its second week. Instead, untrained managers, many from other ministries, have been brought in to guard the maximum security inmates.

John Robertson, the office manager, has been escorting high security inmates around the institution. “It’s apparent he doesn’t know what he’s doing,” Richards said.

The Maplehurst Correctional Complex in Milton is the largest jail in Canada, with a potential to house 2,000 inmates.

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For further information

Jim Richards, OPSEU Local 234: (905) 693-8405
Paul Bilodeau, OPSEU Communications: (416) 443-8888 Ext 780