The Factual Report on Corrections Negotiations

Issue 20 - January 24, 2002

“It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” - Chinese proverb

OPSEU files unfair labour practice complaint

On Mon., Feb. 4, the Chair of the Ontario Labour Relations Board will hear a complaint filed under the Ontario Labour Relations Act alleging violation of sections 17 and 23 of the Act.

The complaint relates to the government’s refusal to discuss issues such as health and safety, corrections autonomy, unclassified issues and early retirement at the Corrections Bargaining table.

The complaint states, “MBC (Management Board of Cabinet) is refusing to deal with Corrections category issues at the Corrections table. The Employer is thereby in violation of its obligation under Section 17 of the Labour Relations Act, (which is incorporated into the Crown Employees Collective Bargaining Act) to bargain in good faith with the appropriate union representatives and is in violation of Section 73 of the Labour Relations Act for seeking to bargain Corrections category issues with the Central Team in violation of the Union’s appointment of a Corrections team with which those issues should be bargained.”

Team files for conciliation

On Thurs., Jan. 24, the Corrections Bargaining Team served the employer notice that we were filing for conciliation with the Ministry of Labour (MOL). Conciliation is required under the Ontario Labour Relations Act and simply means that the parties have arrived at an impasse. We are asking that the MOL appoint a conciliator in an attempt to bring the parties back to the table.

The Corrections Bargaining Team has not met with the employer since Jan. 8, and conciliation is the next progressive step in bargaining. Conciliation must take place before the bargaining teams can request a “no board” report.

Blackout in Region 7

On Tues., Jan. 22, every single correctional facility and probation office in Region 7 participated in “Black Tuesday.” Fort Frances Jail, Kenora Jail, Thunder Bay Correctional Center and the Thunder Bay Jail wore black armbands to show their support to their bargaining team.

Probation offices in Dryden, Fort Frances, Geraldton, Kenora, Marathon, Red Lake, Sioux Lookout, Terrace Bay and Thunder Bay wore black shirts.

“I am extremely proud of my region,” says Len Mason, Corrections Bargaining Team Member. “I couldn’t ask for a better show of support. People in Region 7 have challenged correctional members in Southern Ontario. It’s time to don the armbands and show the employer that you support the team.”

A special thank you goes out to Cindy McQuarrie from Local 642 (Monteith Correctional Complex), who hand-made the armbands.

Hamilton rally a big success

A lunchtime rally at the Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre on Thurs., Jan. 24, 2002, drew close to 100 members.

Issues such as early retirement, unclassified issues, and strong health and safety language were all discussed. The large media turnout heard Corrections Team chair Barry Scanlon urge the government to talk to the Team about the issues that are close to the hearts of every correctional worker in Ontario.

Dominic Agostino, Liberal MPP from Hamilton, was also in attendance and spoke about the government’s lack of respect for its front line workers.

Rallies at the Toronto (Don) Jail and the Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre are scheduled for Fri., Jan. 25.

Waste Watchers
It makes no “cents”

Showing solidarity to your bargaining team is a harmless action. Nobody is hurt when we wear stickers, tattoos, and armbands, etc. Theses signs of solidarity do not present a danger to anyone, yet the employer acts as if the world is coming to an end.

The employer’s response has been predictably overblown and childish. They have decided to wave the “big stick” at members who choose to express support for their bargaining team. Some workplace managers are focusing their attention solely on the local executive members.

This useless over-reaction by some local managers creates needless costs for both sides (grievances, labour complaints, etc.). However, members are not allowing themselves to be bullied.

“People are using whatever avenues are available to them to challenge this thinly veiled attempt at intimidation,” said Jim Bothwell, Corrections Bargaining Team Member. “For every action, there is a reaction. This will come back to haunt them.”

Your Corrections Team is very appreciative of your support. We commend all members who have participated, or will soon participate, in shows of solidarity. To managers everywhere, the Team would like to send you a message: What goes around, comes around.

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

The Correct View 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 Correct View is authorized for distribution by Barry Scanlon, chair, Corrections team, and Leah Casselman, president.