Correctional workers to protest conditions and employer's opening contract offer

TORONTO, Dec. 7, 2014 /CNW/ - Correctional workers in the Ontario Public Service, represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, will rally outside the Toronto South Detention Centre to protest the opening bargaining proposals from the Ontario government as well as working conditions at the facility.

Date:	Monday, December 8, 2014
Time:	11 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location:	Toronto South Detention Centre, 160 Horner Ave, Toronto

OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas said that the opening offer from the government for correctional workers will cut wages and entitlements, and does nothing to address the massive safety problems inside the province's correctional facilities.

"For years, we have been telling the government that we need more staffing, better safety equipment and improved training to deal with violent offenders and the continual overcrowding in our jails," Thomas said. "Instead of listening, the government tables a contract proposal that only speaks to wage freezes, shortening notice for schedule changes and making it harder for part-time officers to become full-time."

Dave Graves and Gord Cobb, union representatives of Local 5112 at Toronto South, said the new facility is fraught with safety problems that make a dangerous job even worse. "Right now, we have huge problems with delays in the electronic doors that can't get staff into areas where we are having emergencies," Cobb said.

"With inmate assaults on staff numbering in the hundreds across the province each year, this is a priority concern for us", Graves said.

Prior to the demonstration, workers will take their message directly to the offices of Etobicoke Centre MPP Yvan Baker and Etobicoke-Lakeshore MPP Peter Milczyn. Baker is the parliamentary assistant to Treasury Board Minister Deb Mathews, who is responsible for government contract negotiations.

OPSEU's current collective agreement with the Ontario government expires Dec. 31, 2014.

SOURCE: Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Warren (Smokey) Thomas: 416-443-8888; Dave Graves: 905-751-7311; Gordon Cobb: 905-965-3860