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October 31, 2002

Workload issues focus of new P&P subcommittee

A new MERC subcommittee, “with real teeth,” will now deal exclusively with P&P workload issues.

After two days of meetings, a protocol Agreement has been signed that will allow the subcommittee to formally identify workload problems. The union will work together with the employer to submit recommendations to the Ministry Employee Relations Committee (MERC) and directly to the Community and Young Offender Operations Committee (CYOOP).

“Recommendations will go forward even if there are dissenting views,” said David Kerr, probation and parole representative of the OPSEU Corrections Ministry Employee Relations Committee. “In addition, workload issues are now to be a standing agenda item at all staff meetings and ERC meetings. Workload issue minutes are to be sent to this new subcommittee for tracking.”

The parties have agreed to treat the workload issue as a priority item and will produce a report of its initial recommendations to the MERC and CYOOP in March 2003. At the meetings, Kerr produced documents from the 1970s, 80s and 90s that supported the union’s argument that a workload problem has existed for some time.

“This subcommittee has real teeth,” Kerr said. “These new recommendations will not die on somebody’s desk. The employer must respond to us.”

OPSEU MERC and Health and Safety Team representatives will select committee members over the next week.

“This agreement does not interfere with any members right to grieve workload issues,” Kerr said. “All entitlements of the Collective Agreement are still in place.”

To view the text of the Protocol Agreement, click here. .pdf

To view the text of the Framework Document, click here. .pdf

 

An urgent appeal for Toronto East

Terry Downey, Region 5 Vice President, has sent out an urgent appeal on behalf of correctional officers at the Toronto East Detention Centre. Barry Scanlon, chair of the OPSEU Corrections Ministry Employee Relations Committee, asks that all members of the Division try to lend their support:

October 8, 2002

Sisters and Brothers,

Five Correctional Officers need your help in defending themselves against false allegations. They are trapped in a lengthy criminal trial and need the financial support of their union brothers and sisters.

All 5 C.O.s were on duty at the Metro East Detention Centre. They were accused of assaulting an inmate. They were unjustly fired and also criminally charged. Their discharge grievance hearings are ongoing. All of these C.O.s have families and this has affected them greatly. Their financial situation is desperate.

Their criminal trial is taking much longer than normal. Three weeks of trial have already occurred and approximately three more weeks have been scheduled. Please note that further court dates in addition to their scheduled dates in November and December 2002 and January 2003 maybe required to complete this trial.

OPSEU has provided some funding to help with the criminal costs. Please consider that these individuals are facing legal fees of approximately $55,000.00 per lawyer. One day in court and/or to prepare for court cost the C.O.s $132.00. This does not include the additional fees needed for forensic and medical experts, and transcripts, which cost up to $10,000.00. Also, please note that should the trial extend past the current scheduled dates, these individuals will face additional legal and administrative fees.

It has been extremely difficult for these C.O.s to find and/or maintain employment since February 2001 due to the following reasons:

· Ministry of Corrections refusing to provide references;
· Media coverage (including photos);
· Police background check (CPIC) lists current charge to all inquiring employers;
· Attending countless dates for trial;
· Attending countless dates for internal Ministry matters;
· Dealing with civil suit matters.

For the individuals who are currently employed, they must take unpaid time off work to meet with counsel, attend trial dates as well as internal matters. This has and continues to compound tremendous financial hardship in their ability to pay their rent/mortgage, feed and provide for their families.

Dealing with the devastating impact of a false allegation is a risk faced by any OPSEU member who works in a correctional, residential care or counseling setting. These 5 C.O.’s are proud individuals. They have been humbled by this experience and are requesting your assistance in their time of need. We need to help each other deal in times of need. Please give generously.

Please send your donations and make cheques payable to:

c/o Region 5 Hardship fund. Please note on cheque “for Metro East C.O.s”. Cheques can be sent directly to: Attention: Monty Mohammed, Accounting Dept., 100 Lesmill Rd., Toronto, M3B 3P8.

Thank you sisters and brothers for your support.

In Solidarity,

Terry Downey
Toronto RVP

Corrections Divisional this weekend

Delegates from corrections locals across the province will gather in Toronto this weekend for the Corrections Divisional meeting. This is an election year, and delegates will vote on who will represent the Division for both MERC and Health and Safety for the next two years.

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

e-mail: dford@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