Strike news from your Corrections Bargaining Team
March 21, 2002
“Heed this cry that comes from the hearts of men. Organize the unorganized.” – John L. Lewis, president of the United Mine Workers of America (1920-1960)
The bargaining team wants to share with our members news of what is happening on the front lines. Although every local deserves a mention in every issue of the Burn Barrel, that would be nearly an impossible task. Therefore, each team member will give a brief summary of one place in their region in each issue.
Region 1
Paid to picket – members continue to obey the law
There was a resident insurrection at Local 122 (Bluewater Youth Centre) a few days ago and correctional officers quelled it. The next morning, staff reporting for work under the ESA realized that the fire alarm panel was not working and the shift manager would not give pertinent information relating to the
incident. Staff felt that the workplace was unsafe, and exercised their rights under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
On the morning of March 20, management threw staff out of the institution and paid them to stand on the line, stating, “We (management) don’t have time to deal with the MOL (Ministry of Labour) inspectors.” Management states fires at the institution are not a top priority.
Region 2
“No Justice, No Pizza”
On March 19, the picket line at Local 248 (Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre) rang with chants of “No Justice, No Pizza.” Members found out that an inmate pizza order in excess of $500 made its way into the detention centre under police escort.
It’s just another example of management pampering inmates using taxpayer’s dollars. So much for “no frills” jails.
Region 3
Even nurses suspended
On March 20, Local 341 (Millbrook C.C.), dayshift essential service workers comprised of correctional officers, security officers, nurses and cooks reported for work. They were all stopped by management and were told they were suspended with pay.
The nurses expressed to management their extreme concern about the inmates that needed medical care. They were told by the manager that they were suspended anyway.
When the union worksite representative informed the manager that management was engaging in an illegal lockout, he replied, “I guess we are.”
Region 4
“Lockout” at OCDC
The staff at Local 411 (Ottawa-Carlton Detention Centre) had been doing an excellent job of working under the Essential Services Agreement. Despite considerable management harassment, the staff at OCDC are complying while making sure it isn’t business as usual. Nevertheless, management locked out all of the
staff on March 19.
Since that time, the conscientious officers at OCDC have been reporting for duty for each shift, only to be suspended by managers.
These illegal lockouts and suspensions are just another way for management to harass our members.
Region 5
Ball Hockey games at “The Don”
Local 530 (Toronto Jail) correctional workers have been reporting for duty, signing in, and then being told, “You are suspended for the day with pay. Leave the institution.”
This has been going on since March 19. Today, the members had a great ball hockey game on the Don Roadway. On Friday, members are looking forward to a game against Local 517 (Toronto West Detention Centre), who are also getting suspended with pay because of bogus management work refusals.
Region 6
Managers making false threats
Local 616 (North Bay Jail) has really come out fighting during this strike. Members continue to hold their ground as the employer tries to force them to perform non-essential duties or assign them to non-essential posts. To date, several members have been suspended. Like in so many other places, the managers
continue to intimidate, harass and threaten members with fines from the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB). The members of Local 616 are too smart and too damn angry to be intimidated by the B.S. being spewed by the managers.
All the members in Region 6 remain strong and solid.
Region 7
“Power to the people”
The employer has managed to force staff in the Adult Unit of Local 708 (Thunder Bay Correctional Centre) out of the workplace by not being able to interpret the “Essential Services Agreement.”
The local has initiated a work refusal because of the unsafe working environment. The employer has targeted local executive members who are deemed essential workers and suspended them all with pay for various made-up reasons. “Power to the people” is the chant of choice outside the facility.
The picket line is strong and morale is high.
Corrections team members
Region 1: Jack Hopkins, L. 122
Region 2: Barry Scanlon, L. 230 (chair)
Region 3: Larry Cripps, L. 309
Region 4: Jim Bothwell, L. 467
Region 5: Dave Graves, L. 521 (vice-chair)
Region 6: Rick Dagenais, L. 642
Region 7: Len Mason, L. 737
You can reach the bargaining team at (416) 815-0284 or by e-mail at correctionsteam@opseu.org.
The Burn Barrel will be available by fax, by e-mail, and on the OPSEU web site at www.opseu.org . To receive it directly, send your secure fax number to Lesley Williams at (416) 443-1762 or send your e-mail address to
lwilliams@opseu.org.
The Burn Barrel is authorized for distribution by Barry Scanlon, chair, Corrections Bargaining Team, and Leah Casselman, president.
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