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TORONTO – Nearly 5,500 Corrections workers who work in Ontario’s
correctional facilities and supervise offenders in the community have voted 89
per cent in favour of strike action.
At issue is a government plan that would penalize correctional
officers and youth workers for taking more than five sick days a year. Dave
Kerr, chair of the Corrections bargaining team, says he is pleased that his
members have supported the team, and is looking forward to returning to the
bargaining table.
“This strong rejection should show the government that ALL
of our members are not interested in an offer that punishes correctional
officers and youth workers, even those not affected by it,” Kerr said.
“Probation and probation and parole officers, along with bailiffs and
non-uniform members in the institutions and in the community have all rejected
this offer. We know we can work with the government to come to an acceptable
agreement that addresses long-standing issues in Corrections.”
The remaining 35,000 OPS members who work directly for the
Ontario government have ratified their tentative agreement. That agreement
contains a wage increase of 7.75 per cent over four years, along with
improvements to benefits, job security and gains for contract workers.
Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President of the Ontario Public Service
Employees Union, says he is pleased that part of the OPS has ratified, and will
fully back the Corrections Unit as they return to bargaining.
“The Province showed a great deal of cooperation in getting the
tentative agreements for all of our members outside of Corrections,” Thomas
said. “Now they need to show the same resolve with our Corrections members.” |
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