The Factual Report on Corrections Negotiations

Issue 10 - November 15, 2001

“The most important thing in acting is honesty. If you can fake that, you’ve got it made.” George Burns

Ministry alleges unlawful strike

On Wednesday, Nov. 7, the Ministry of Correctional Services made allegations that members and the Union were taking part in an illegal strike. The allegations came after approximately 106 correctional workers at the Toronto West Detention Centre exercised their rights under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The case is before the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) and has been adjourned until Dec. 17, 2001.

“These allegations are ridiculous,” said Rick Dagenais, Corrections Team Member. “The Ministry is grasping at straws if they think these work refusals were connected to bargaining.”

This incident demonstrates the importance of having strong health and safety language in the OPS Collective Agreement. Watch for more information after the December hearing at the OLRB.

Waste Watchers

The “Rolls Royce” of ashtrays

With a Ministry in crisis, where there isn’t sufficient funding to ensure adequate staffing, it appears that funds are readily available to enforce the staff smoking cessation program - with the use of very expensive ashtrays and garbage cans. At the Stratford Jail, $1,300 has been spent on cigarette butt containers.

“These must surely be the ‘Rolls Royce’ of ashtrays and garbage cans,” says Jim Bothwell, of the Corrections Bargaining Team. “This type of spending is asinine when a couple of empty five pound coffee cans and a plastic garbage pail would suffice.”

An OPSEU T-shirt goes to the person who provided this information.

Corrections across Canada

This week, the Correct View takes a glance at the collective agreement for federal correctional employees.

Employees working one-half (1/2) or more of the hours of which are regularly scheduled between 3 p.m. and 7 a.m. will receive a shift premium of $1.75 per hour for all hours worked, including overtime between 3 p.m. and 7 a.m. In addition, an employee working on shifts during a weekend will receive an additional premium of $1.75 per hour for all hours worked, including overtime hours, on Saturday and/or Sunday.

Correctional Officers who are not required to wear a uniform routinely during the course of their duties receive an annual clothing allowance of $400, paid out once yearly.

Spotlight on your team

Barry Scanlon, Region 2

Barry Scanlon began his career as a Correctional Officer in 1984 at the Toronto West Detention Centre. The following year, Barry was elected as a steward. He has devoted himself to standing up for members’ rights and entitlements. Barry has also worked at the Waterloo Detention Centre and is currently at the Guelph Correctional Centre.

Barry’s tireless efforts on behalf of members in the Corrections Division resulted in his election to the Ministry Employee Relations Committee in 1992. He was elected as chair of the committee in 1994, a position he still holds today. Recognizing his leadership in the Corrections Division, the members of the Corrections Bargaining Team unanimously elected Barry to the position of chair.

“I’ve been involved at the divisional level for many years,” Barry said. “I believe the expertise I’ve gained will help me make a contribution toward the bargaining team being successful in this round.”

One of Barry’s first concerns is to regain some of the ground lost in health and safety issues. “The Occupational Health and Safety Act has been gutted,” Barry said. “I believe it was a direct attack on members in the Corrections Bargaining Unit.”

When not involved in union business (which is rare), Barry’s passion is camping with his family and he enjoys traveling around Ontario.

“This round is a golden opportunity to regain some loses we suffered in the past and to go forward and make some gains,” Barry said.

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.