The Factual Report on Corrections Negotiations

Issue 11 - November 22, 2001

“It is much easier to be critical than to be correct.” Benjamin Disraeli

Don’t despair, Flaherty’s cupboards not bare

You’re going to hear it a lot over the next few months both from politicians and government bureaucrats. You are going to be told that there is no money for wage recovery and no money for improvements to benefits and pensions. Mr. David “Let them eat tuna” Tsubouchi, Management Board chair, indicated that the government might face a $5 billion deficit next year. “Everybody is going to have to pull up their socks,” he said.

Don’t buy it.

You’ve lost over ten per cent in wages due to inflation over the last three contracts. Yet, MPPs and cabinet ministers will get a 36.6 per cent wage increase over the next four years despite the alleged $5 billion deficit. Finance Minister Jim Flaherty insists there is no thought to abandoning planned corporate tax cuts of 25 per cent that will cost the provincial treasury at least $2.2 billion. The same Tory government is putting the finishing touches on regulations on tax credits for those who have sent their children to private schools like Upper Canada College and Havergal. That move will cost the government between $300 and $700 million annually.

So there’s plenty of money around for the rich Rosedale crowd and Bay Street, but apparently the cupboard is bare for the likes of us.

Over the next few months, the Corrections Bargaining Team will need your strong support. The money is there. We will need your help to get to it.

Waste Watchers

Bambi, where are you?

The Ontario government’s “tough on crime” philosophy apparently now includes the purchase of white deerskin for young offender arts and crafts programs. The deerskin used in at least one young offender facility cost several thousand dollars.

“The Ministry should be spending money on programs that help in rehabilitation,” said Barry Scanlon, Correction Bargaining Team chair. “To spend this kind of money for young offenders to make little purses is just a waste.”

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

Reminder

If you are aware of waste in the Ministry of Correctional Services, e-mail the issue to the Corrections Bargaining Team at correctionsteam@opseu.org. Waste examples must be verifiable and the names of those submitting will remain confidential.

Acting managers should step down

This week, the Ministry of Correctional Services announced the names of the successful applicants for some management vacancies.

The Corrections Bargaining Team asks that all acting managers who were not successful in obtaining a position to step down.

Apparently management doesn’t want you…but we do. Now is the time to show support for your fellow bargaining unit members.

Spotlight on your team

Jack Hopkins, Region 1

Jack Hopkins started his career in the ministry in 1983 at the Niagara Detention Centre. Jack was elected as a steward in 1984 and has been active in union business ever since. In 1986, Jack transferred to the Bluewater Youth Centre (Local 122). He has held most of the local executive positions there, and is currently local president.

“I’ve seen how bad things can be in this profession,” Jack said. “In our local we have managed to make big improvements and the experience I’ve gained there has encouraged me to help do the same in provincial bargaining. I wanted to step up to the next level.”

What is Jack’s goal for this round of bargaining?

“I want to make sure the membership demands are given serious consideration,” Jack said. “I will do my best to represent every member of the corrections bargaining unit.”

Jack is a devoted family man who enjoys collecting record albums and listening to music. His passion is British invasion music from the 1960s.

“I have confidence in the membership from my region and have been encouraged by their participation at meetings and rally’s,” Jack said. “The corrections division has a well educated membership, and that is an asset at the bargaining table.”

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.