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June 22, 2001

Special Alert
Strike alert in Uxbridge

Kennedy House (formerly St. John’s Training School for Boys) in Uxbridge will be in a legal strike position as of midnight Saturday night.

Barry Scanlon, chair of the OPSEU Corrections Ministry Employee Relations Committee, asks any corrections members living in the area to get out on Saturday night to support these members on the picket line.

“The new employer is basically trying to gut the previous agreement,” Scanlon said. “If the employer is successful, it could set the standard for young offender facilities across the province. With the future of young offender and adult facilities in flux, it’s crucial to stop this style of bargaining in its tracks.”

Charlie Bryans, president of Local 361 at Kennedy House, is concerned that this is a management ploy to bust the union local.

“Fundamental union principles such as seniority, health and safety, human rights and the grievance procedure are in jeopardy,” Bryans said. “We cannot allow this to happen.”

Barry Casey, sector negotiator for Local 361, believes that the employer is trying to make a name for itself in the young offender business.

“The employer is trying to lower the standards in order to assist the Harris government in its privatization efforts,” Casey said.

The facility is located at 335 Main St. North, Uxbridge. For strike/picket information, Scanlon asks members to contact Charlie Bryans at (705) 340-2791.

Last call for voluntary exits

This is an urgent notice from the OPSEU Corrections Ministry Employee Relations Committee.

Surplus notices are expected in early July for staff in corrections institutions facing closure. At that time, the Ministry of Correctional Services will identify those members who have put their names forward to access the Voluntary Exit Option (VEO) under the OPS Collective Agreement.

ANY member who wishes to access the VEO provision MUST put their name forward as soon as possible. Conversely, any members who have put their names on the VEO list and no longer wish to leave the Ministry must have their names removed from the list immediately.

Shortly, the Ministry will be providing information for interested members and giving instructions on where to obtain the VEO forms. The Ministry will also be contacting any member currently on the VEO list to ensure that the list is accurate.

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

Original authorized for distribution by Leah Casselman, president.

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