Local Corrections Presidents meet in Ottawa

May 22, 2009

On May 21st, Presidents and elected MERC teams from Corrections Services and from Children and Youth Services gathered at the OPSEU Ottawa Resource Centre.    The centre happens to shares a wall in a strip mall with Premier McGuinty’s Riding office.

The energetic, seven hour discussion was dominated by plans to address the poor state of labour relations with the employer.  Remarks from MERC Chairs Eddie Almeida and Glenna Caldwell kicked off the meeting.  Both provided encouraging reports on plans to take on the employer.

In his remarks, President Thomas ensured the Local Presidents that the union will continue to resource the Division to do what it takes.  He also stressed the importance of sending the McGuinty government and the Liberal Party a message right away about the deadly combination created by overcrowding and short-staffing at institutions across the province. 

Staff including our legal counsel David Matheson provided answers on legal, grievance and political lobbying strategies. 

Everyone attending pledged to get members out to another gathering in Ottawa the evening of May 28th.