OPSEU has filed a policy grievance against the Ministry of Corrections and its move to re-negotiate compressed work week agreements across the province.

The Ministry has violated the collective agreement in at least six different ways, says Barry Scanlon, OPSEU Chair of the Corrections Ministry Employee Relations Committee (MERC), not the least of which are the changes to current vacation schedules.

"This ministry is messing with people’s lives," Scanlon said. "Under their scheme, not only will we be forced to take vacations in the most undesirable months of the year, we will also lose the ability to accumulate compensating time."

The employer’s plan will also screw up daycare arrangements, Scanlon said.

"We have confirmation that the employer will be eliminating positions," he said.

Proof of that is pouring in from worksites across Ontario as managers do everything in their power to lure locals into negotiations.

"Do not, I repeat, do not enter into negotiations at the local level," said Scanlon. "We have this issue under fast-track arbitration, and we expect to be in front of an arbitrator within 30 to 40 days. That leaves us lots of time to deal with this issue before the 90-day expiry."

Worried about the threat of eight-hour shifts, some members are pressuring local union officials to begin talks.

"We understand how people feel," said Scanlon, "but we have to realize what is at stake. We are trying to preserve our way of life, and our jobs."

In some worksites, managers are bypassing local executives and showing proposed schedules directly to the members. This interference in the administration of the union is a clear violation of the Ontario Labour Relations Act. If this is happening at your worksite, fax or e-mail details and information to Don Ford at OPSEU immediately.

The members at Local 233 have taken a stand at their worksite that doesn’t leave a lot of room for interpretation. Not only have all of their acting managers stepped down, but the membership has endorsed further initiatives to refuse voluntary overtime or to work in any position other than their own.

"I’m proud that our members have taken such a firm line," said local president Paul Hughes. "We are fed up with this employer playing games with our lives. We want answers about closures and privatization, and we want them now. We are sending a message to the employer that is loud and clear - we will do whatever it takes."

Contact Don Ford to let us know what your local is doing.

Citizens Against Private Prisons is joining forces with the John Howard Society of Ontario to sponsor a major public forum on the privatization of Ontario correctional facilities.

The forum will take place on Monday, Feb. 21, 2000, at 7:30 p.m. at Brian Orser Hall in Penetanguishene. Confirmed speakers at the event include Stephen Nathan, international prison privatization expert; Bill Sparks, executive director of the John Howard Society; as well as local municipal politicians. Corrections minister Rob Sampson has also been invited to attend.

Orser Hall is located at 59 Maria Street in Penetang. All members from across the province are invited to attend.

Local town councils are continuing to endorse resolutions opposing private correctional facilities in the province. The city of Cobourg and nearby Haldimand municipality have both said a unanimous NO to privatization. Councils across Victoria County (home of the Lindsay superjail) are preparing to add their voices as well.

If a council near you has endorsed the "no private jail" motion, fax a copy to Don Ford at (416) 443-1762 as soon as you receive it (you’ll have to ask the council for a copy of the motion).

"I’ve never done anything like this before, and it was easy," Peter said. "The council gave me overwhelming support."

For campaign information, contact Don Ford or Carol Whitehead at 1-800-268-7376 ext. 356 or (416) 443-8888 ext. 356  e-mail: dford@opseu.org or cwhitehead@opseu.org