You are here: Home > OPS > Ministry >April 4  2001  LockTalk

Convention 2001 Edition

Corrections video premieres

The much anticipated corrections video, “Sabotage: The Ontario Government’s Scheme to Destroy Public Correctional Services,” will premiere at the Corrections caucus on Thurs., Apr. 5.

The 15-minute documentary is a response to former Corrections Minister Norm Sterling’s attack on correctional officers regarding the use of sick time. On Feb. 22, 2001, Sterling insulted the professionalism of every officer in the province when he said that the use of sick time was too high, and that his government would look at privatizing more facilities if the situation didn’t improve. Sterling also stated that he didn’t know why sick time was so high.

On Feb. 28, OPSEU held a Queen’s Park press conference to respond to Sterling’s callous remarks. We told Sterling that we would show him what life inside Ontario’s jails was like. The video, featuring correctional officers explaining in graphic detail the harsh conditions they face, should leave no doubt in anyone’s mind why sick-time usage has risen under the Tory regime.

The video forms part of an overall media strategy along with the results of the health and safety survey completed by locals in the past few weeks.

The video will be distributed to all corrections locals as well as the media. If you’re at Convention, don’t miss the presentation!

Farewell to a dedicated activist

We wish all the best to OPSEU First Vice-President/Treasurer Len Hupet, who did not seek re-election to OPSEU’s Executive Board.

Brother Hupet began his career with the Ministry of Correctional Services in 1969 at the Fort Frances Jail, and has been a dedicated union activist for nearly 30 years. He was elected to the Executive Board in 1986, and has spent the last four years in the First Vice-President/Treasurer slot.

Len was always a strong voice for corrections issues at the Board, and was always there when you needed him. Len’s hard work and experience will not be easily replaced.

The Corrections Division salutes you, Brother Hupet. You will be missed.

Take Lock Talk home

Lock Talk - the T-shirt Edition will be available at this year’s OPSEU Convention.

The shirts come in a variety of sizes and cost just $10 dollars each. Look for the them at the OPSEU Stuff table, or contact Mary Anne DiAdamo (ext. 664) at OPSEU Head Office.

Levac welcomes members

On Fri., Apr. 6, Liberal Corrections Critic David Levac is hosting a hospitality suite at the 2001 Convention. David invites everyone to join him at the Sheraton Centre, Toronto, in Parlour Suite #1 from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Be sure to stop by and visit one of the most ardent supporters of our campaign.

For campaign information, call Don Ford (ext. 442) or Pam Doig (ext. 687) at 1-800-268-7376 or (416) 443-8888.

e-mail: dford@opseu.org or pdoig@opseu.org

.Ontario Public Service Employees Union
100 Lesmill Road, Toronto, Ontario M3B 3P8
www.opseu.org  opseu@opseu.org
Original authorized for distribution by Leah Casselman, president.

Return to top of page

Ontario Public Service Employees Union, 100 Lesmill Rd. Toronto, ON M3B 3P8  (416) 443-8888  www.opseu.org