You spoke - they listened!

In a surprise move this week, Corrections Minister Monte Kwinter ordered an internal investigation into the disciplinary charges leveled against members at the North Bay Jail.

And at the same time, the Ministry has also agreed to expedited mediation in Hamilton in the wake of 102 officers receiving suspensions after a health and safety refusal last March. Those hearings are expected to begin this September.

Dan Sidsworth, Chair of OPSEU’s Corrections MERC Team, is pleased the Ministry is finally demonstrating it wants to reduce tensions in the Division.

“We broke off talks with the Ministry because there was no point in keeping up what we felt were one-sided labour relations,” Sidsworth said. “Now, it appears that we can get back on track and work towards what is best for the members of the Division.”

Each side will show their commitment towards the labour relations process at the first meeting for the Corrections MERC. OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas and the Corrections Deputy Minister both plan to attend.

“We want to the government to understand in the clearest possible terms that our corrections members have OPSEU’s full support,” Thomas said. “We know better than most that when there is labour peace in Corrections, everybody wins.

Given this week’s positive developments, Thomas has postponed a planned Aug. 21 demonstration outside the Ministry offices in Toronto, and indicated he hopes it won’t be necessary to take this action at a future date.

A date for the MERC meeting will be confirmed shortly. We will keep you posted on progress.

For more information, call Greg Hamara (ext. 8777) at 1-800-268-7376 or (416) 443-8888 cell 647-238-9933 e-mail: ghamara@opseu.org  Ontario Public Service Employees Union, 100 Lesmill Road, Toronto, Ontario M3B 3P8 www.opseu.org 

Original authorized for distribution by Warren (Smokey) Thomas, president.