The Factual Report on Corrections Negotiations
Issue 28 - March 8, 2002
“If provoked, I will strike!” - T-shirt worn by members in Region 7.
Still no talks with the employer
Since returning to the table with a 98 per cent mandate, the employer has decided NOT to talk to us to try and reach a fair deal. It appears that their agenda is to test our resolve.
That agenda is a big mistake.
Corrections disputes only apply to us
This is a reminder to all locals that disputes that have been filed or resolved in the Corrections Bargaining Unit only apply to the Corrections Bargaining Unit. Resolutions to these disputes do not carry over into other bargaining units. Disputes filed from other categories (OAD, IHC, etc.) must be separately
dealt with at their respective tables.
Management Board misleads the media
David (Dented Tuna Can) Tsubouchi is a stranger to the truth, says Jim Bothwell, Corrections Bargaining Team Member.
According to Tsubouchi, chair of Management Board of Cabinet, the government has come back to the table with an improved offer for employees. Tsubouchi backs up this assertion with figures that are misleading, inaccurate or downright lies.
This misinformation has two purposes. The first is to attempt to turn public opinion against OPSEU members. The second is to make OPSEU members swallow an offer that is without a single redeeming feature.
“It is really rich of Tsubouchi to use dubious facts and figures to portray OPSEU members as unreasonable, after recently agreeing to accept a 36.6 per cent wage increase for himself,” says Bothwell. “Next time you are passing Queen’s Park, and you here a sound like a swine grunting, it probably is coming from
behind Tsubouchi’s office door. The noise is caused by David sucking more than his fair share of taxpayer money out of the trough.”
Bothwell said he couldn’t believe that the government would send out something so completely deceptive. “The last time I saw something that resembled this statement from Tsubouchi, it was steaming below an up-raised horse’s tail on a frosty morning,” he said.
It is obvious that the government has unleashed its dirty tricks department. This can only signify that we have given them cause for concern. For you, David, the message is simple: Bargain in good faith, now. No more lies, no more excuses. Your time is running out.
P & P: Use of “government time” not encouraged
“It has come to my attention that some staff have been using their equipment and possibly government time to conduct union business (Fax and e-mail). Could I ask you to please remind your support staff and probation officers that use of government time or equipment to conduct union business is not
authorized or appropriate. Should staff wish to undertake this type of communication, it should be done through other means.”
Wes Bell
Regional Director
Community & Young Offender Services
Northern Region
The Corrections Bargaining Team strongly encourages members to take this message from management literally.
Since management considers “government time” to be regular office hours, we recommend that no “work-related” duties take place outside of these hours. This includes receiving calls at home from police and using your home phone, fax or computer to conduct government business. We also encourage members to have
uninterrupted breaks and not do government business on personal time.
Crowd at Maplehurst rally exceeds food supply
 An information picket outside Maplehurst Complex, announcing the opening of the Local 234 strike headquarters, drew so many members that local food supplies were exhausted.
“I ordered plenty of food, but we ran out very quickly,” said Jim Richards, vice-president of Local 234 and one of the organizers of the event. “Our members came out and showed great support for our local and our bargaining team.”
 Also in attendance were Liberal MPP and Corrections Critic David Levac, Corrections Bargaining Team chair Barry Scanlon, and team members Dave Graves and Jack Hopkins.
A large number of members from correctional locals in Hamilton, Guelph, and the E.C. Drury School for the Deaf were also in attendance. Mark Dugas, union strike co-coordinator at Maplehurst, said, “Our members are ready, and so is our headquarters.”
 “I was really impressed by the solidarity the members showed,” said Jack Hopkins, Corrections Bargaining Team Member. “It was great to see members from different locals join together. Everywhere we go, the mood is the same. Our members
are ready.”
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 Correct View is your only accurate source of Corrections Team information during this round of bargaining. If you don’t read it here, you can't be sure it's true. Don’t rely on gossip and rumours. We will provide the facts.
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.
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