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March 16, 2001

"Crime warehouse" plagued with safety problems
Sampson officially opens Maplehurst mega-jail

On Thurs., Mar. 15, 2001 Corrections Minister Rob Sampson officially opened the newly expanded Maplehurst mega-jail facility accompanied by a packed press tour. Sampson lauded the new building, but the press in attendance did not get to hear about the problems that are still prevalent in the facility.

Union representatives from Local 234 at the Maplehurst Complex were under strict instructions to stay away from the event, but that didn’t prevent reporters from seeking OPSEU’s reaction to the opening.

Barry Scanlon, chair of the OPSEU Corrections Ministry Employee Relations Committee, likened the jail to a crime warehouse.

"The way the jail’s set up, the officers will be on the outside of the units and the inmates will be on the inside doing whatever they please," Scanlon said. "The Ministry is relying on cameras and electronic gadgets to replace seasoned, experienced correctional officers. It’s a disaster waiting to happen."

OPSEU health and safety representatives have compiled a list of safety concerns and violations that they say must be addressed before one inmate steps foot in the facility. The issues include improper staffing levels, deficiencies with windows and locks, several camera "blind spots," improper security computer installations, inadequate staff training, improperly sealed floors, dangerous railing placements and fire-fighting equipment that is accessible to inmates.

Nick Tefoglou, vice-chair of the OPSEU Corrections Provincial Joint Health and Safety Committee, wrote to Minister Sampson on March 12, 2001 outlining the concerns and demanding an immediate response to the identified hazards. To date, there has been no response from the Minister’s office.

Given the problems identified in the Maplehurst facility, one shudders to think what might be waiting for staff in Penetanguishene. And if that jail goes private, will there be a union in place to identify the risks?

CBC to air private jail debate

On Mon., Mar. 19, CBC Television’s Counterspin will feature a debate on privatizing correctional services in Ontario. The show airs at 8 p.m.

If you wish to attend, be at the CBC Broadcast Centre on Front St. by 7:20 p.m. Seating will be on a first-come basis.

Try not to miss it!

Resolution watch

The resolution count moves stubbornly towards the 200 mark with the addition of another municipality this week.

The Municipality of North Middlesex (northwest of London) has added their support for publicly run correctional services.

This brings the count to 196. Last week, the City of Thunder Bay’s resolution brought the count to 195, not 194 as was reported.

The efforts of the Resolution Warrior, Len Mason of Local 737 (Thunder Bay Jail), continue. Just four more, Len!

For campaign information, call Don Ford (ext. 442) or Carol Whitehead (ext. 356) at

1-800-268-7376 or (416) 443-8888. e-mail: dford@opseu.org or cwhitehead@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.

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