Don’t punish us for following the rules
April 16, 2009
I have spoken a lot recently about problems in our
correctional system. While there are many issues across every sector of our
union, corrections keeps rearing its head because, quite frankly, it appears
the employer wants the system to self-destruct.
Why do I say that? Actions by the employer over the past few
months have defied any logical explanation. We have called repeatedly for
the employer to address the overcrowding and deteriorating working
conditions in our jails. Those calls have been largely ignored. We just
finished a very contentious round of bargaining, and before the dust
settles, the employer arbitrarily backs out of a decades-old agreement on
compensating time owing for working overtime.
For years, correctional officers in our facilities have
performed above and beyond the call of duty to make sure that their portion
of the criminal justice system worked. One of their many responsibilities is
to ensure that inmates are processed to go to court on a daily basis. But
because of the overcrowding in our facilities, which worsens every year,
correctional officers know what any rookie with two weeks on the job knows:
If you follow the rules, the job will never get done.
So what happens? Some rules get ignored. Corners get cut.
But all the inmates get out to court on time, and the judges have no
complaints.
But now our members have had enough. Enough of having
overcrowding in the jails ignored. Enough of the employer turning a blind
eye to bad working conditions and spread of infectious diseases. Enough of
cutting corners (and putting their safety at risk) so that the job will get
done. Especially when all the employer seems to be interested in is
destroying labour peace.
So now, our members ARE following the employer’s rules. And
guess what? There are delays in the courts. And judges are getting angry.
Perhaps the Minister or these angry judges can answer some
questions for our officers. Those questions are: What rules do you want us
to break to get inmates out to court on time? What safety precautions do you
want us to ignore? What security rules do you want us to breach? And lastly,
what assurances will you give us that we won’t be hurt or disciplined if we
do break those rules? Until then, I suggest that the judges talk directly to
the Ministry and ask them why the system isn’t working. Don’t punish the
workers for following the employer’s rules.
We remain willing and ready to work with the employer to
solve these problems. In the meantime, our members are refusing to take any
more chances with their jobs…and their lives. I will always support my
members who are following the rules – even if the system breaks down because
of it.
In solidarity,
Warren (Smokey) Thomas
President
