Now that we are out of bargaining and back to MERC and LERC business I will be starting up the Blog again. I want to thank everyone who passed along their condolences after my father passed away. I have been busy on the home front and working in the local.
The Regional elections are this coming weekend with convention soon to follow. I am looking forward to reconnecting with everyone and starting to ramp up the business of the division. The MERC team met and caucused with each other for the first time this year on Monday at the OPSEU Milton membership centre. We discussed the various sub-committees and went over the issues together. The new collective agreement has definitely generated a lot of more work for the committee.
The first issue we will be dealing with is the Compensating Time. The employer has sent a very clear message to the membership and the MERC in how this was done. NO prior notification and No discussion. They have set the tone in which they want to do business with us. If this is how they want to conduct business with the membership and the elected representatives we will also change the way we do business.
The Corrections Division is known for its very difficult and challenging labour relations on a good day. With the removal of Compensating time, it is time remind the employer that we still have a very unified and strong division that can effect change. We want to be treated fairly and with respect. It is now time to remind the employer that the resolve of this division is without comparison. I firmly believe with all of us acting as one we can achieve anything.
In Solidarity,
Dan Sidsworth
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Well everyone has read the OPSEU web site that a tentative deal is on the central table. A lot of rumours are out there about the details we need to wait for the facts before forming any opinions of course. And we are still waiting on the employer at the Corrections table. The Local Presidents, MERC members and Moblizers had the opportunity to hear from the chair of our bargaining committee that talks were continuing as of 2050hrs last night.
As negotiations continue not a lot of information could be shared with us other than the employer has not changed their position. The sick benefits continue to be the stumbling block. We have been asked to continue to show the employer we support the bargaining team in order to empower them at the bargaining table.
Things will go into a holding pattern over the Holiday Season. Don’t be alarmed if you don’t hear very much over the next two weeks. During this round of bargaining it was agreed that if no offer was on the table on or about the 23rd of December the two parties would meet again on January 05, 2009 to set essential service agreements. That does not mean our bargaining team is not willing to revisit the bargaining table between now and then.
As Smokey has said we should be proud of the work we have done. We are fighting the good fight.
For the rest of us we need to use the break to rest up for what is shaping up to be a tough fight. We should enjoy this time of year with our families and friends. Have a safe and great holiday, for our work has only just begun.
In Solidarity
Dan Sidsworth
As negotiations continue not a lot of information could be shared with us other than the employer has not changed their position. The sick benefits continue to be the stumbling block. We have been asked to continue to show the employer we support the bargaining team in order to empower them at the bargaining table.
Things will go into a holding pattern over the Holiday Season. Don’t be alarmed if you don’t hear very much over the next two weeks. During this round of bargaining it was agreed that if no offer was on the table on or about the 23rd of December the two parties would meet again on January 05, 2009 to set essential service agreements. That does not mean our bargaining team is not willing to revisit the bargaining table between now and then.
As Smokey has said we should be proud of the work we have done. We are fighting the good fight.
For the rest of us we need to use the break to rest up for what is shaping up to be a tough fight. We should enjoy this time of year with our families and friends. Have a safe and great holiday, for our work has only just begun.
In Solidarity
Dan Sidsworth
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Targeted benefits? THIS PLAN IS SICK
Correctional Officers and Youth Workers
are under attack.And eventually,every
member of the OPS will pay a heavy price.
Under the employers ’ proposal,,
Correctional Officers and Youth Workers
will be removed from the current OPS sick
leave plan,and management of their sick
leave will be given to a multi-billion dollar
insurance company.
If the thought of having your health in the
hands of a profit-driven company isn ’t
scary enough,it gets worse :
•Sick time is only accrued at a rate of
five hours per month,only if you have
full attendance that month .
•After four consecutive days of absence,
Correctional Officers and Youth
Workers immediately move to 66 2/3
per cent pay.
•If you do not have any sick time in the
bank,any absence that is less than
five consecutive days is unpaid .
•If the insurance company denies the
claim,the employee gets paid nothing.
•To add icing on the cake,the denial is
not grievable.An appeal must be made
to the Joint Insured Benefits Review
Committee.
Why is the employer doing this? Simple -
it ’s all about money.Correctional Officers
and Youth Workers have extremely high-
stress jobs in 24-7 operations.
Overcrowding,assaults,exposure to
disease and constant shift work all
take their toll.The result?Higher than
average sick time.
The employer wants to solve the
problem by punishing the victims .And
save a lot of money by not having to
replace workers.
This is all very bad.But the bigger
picture is grimmer.If the employer is
allowed to carve off specific workers from
the benefit plan,where does it stop?A
special plan for older workers who use
more drug and dental benefits?A stand-
alone group of OADs who have more
eyeglass claims?The opportunities for the
employer are endless.
The Corrections Team will continue
to fight this deliberate
and callous attack by
the employer.All other
members need to
support Corrections
on this …because
you might just be
next.
http://www.opseu.org/ops/barg2008/index.htm
An attack on sick leave is an attack on everyone
are under attack.And eventually,every
member of the OPS will pay a heavy price.
Under the employers ’ proposal,,
Correctional Officers and Youth Workers
will be removed from the current OPS sick
leave plan,and management of their sick
leave will be given to a multi-billion dollar
insurance company.
If the thought of having your health in the
hands of a profit-driven company isn ’t
scary enough,it gets worse :
•Sick time is only accrued at a rate of
five hours per month,only if you have
full attendance that month .
•After four consecutive days of absence,
Correctional Officers and Youth
Workers immediately move to 66 2/3
per cent pay.
•If you do not have any sick time in the
bank,any absence that is less than
five consecutive days is unpaid .
•If the insurance company denies the
claim,the employee gets paid nothing.
•To add icing on the cake,the denial is
not grievable.An appeal must be made
to the Joint Insured Benefits Review
Committee.
Why is the employer doing this? Simple -
it ’s all about money.Correctional Officers
and Youth Workers have extremely high-
stress jobs in 24-7 operations.
Overcrowding,assaults,exposure to
disease and constant shift work all
take their toll.The result?Higher than
average sick time.
The employer wants to solve the
problem by punishing the victims .And
save a lot of money by not having to
replace workers.
This is all very bad.But the bigger
picture is grimmer.If the employer is
allowed to carve off specific workers from
the benefit plan,where does it stop?A
special plan for older workers who use
more drug and dental benefits?A stand-
alone group of OADs who have more
eyeglass claims?The opportunities for the
employer are endless.
The Corrections Team will continue
to fight this deliberate
and callous attack by
the employer.All other
members need to
support Corrections
on this …because
you might just be
next.
http://www.opseu.org/ops/barg2008/index.htm
An attack on sick leave is an attack on everyone
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Corrections officers protest in Thorold
JAIL GUARDS' CONTRACT EXPIRES AT END OF YEAR
Posted By SAMANTHA CRAGGS, SUN MEDIA
Corrections officers have hit the streets in their bid for a new contract.
More than 100 workers from Ontario's 32 jails gathered outside Niagara Detention Centre in Thorold Thursday to protest what they say is the government's inaction in negotiating an agreement. The current contract for more than 40,000 Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) workers, including about 8,000 corrections officers, expires Dec. 31.
The workers held an information picket, chanting, "We want a contract, we want it now." They waved signs reading, "My job, your services, our communities" and, "All I want for Christmas is a fair contract."
The provincial side of the negotiations is handled by the Ministry of Government Services, which represents various ministries in the talks.
"We're here saying, 'Bargain with us,'" said Dan Sidsworth, a member of OPSEU's provincial employee relations committee and a Milton corrections officer.
A main issue for corrections workers is the overuse of "unclassified" officers, who often work full-time hours but are considered part time by the province, said John Mengia, president of OPSEU Niagara Detention Centre local 252. There are about 1,100 officers in Ontario who do not get benefits and are called at early-morning hours to go to work, he said. Some are considered "unclassified" after 15 years.
"I was unclassified for nine years," said 19-year veteran Carol Sousa, also local unit vice-president. "I was a single parent getting 5 a. m. phone calls and trying to arrange for a babysitter."
The province has committed more police officers for Ontario's streets, yet has not boosted the full-time complement of corrections officers to match it, Dave Willis, local chief steward, said. Instead, it hires more unclassified officers. "We don't have unclassified police officers," he said. "We're an arm of the law."
The one-day picket drew workers from jails in London, Toronto and elsewhere.
The workers played Hero by Foo Fighters on repeat and tried unsuccessfully to speak to a Niagara Detention Centre superintendent.
Negotiations have been ongoing, said Ciaran Ganley, a Ministry of Government Services spokesman. As for unclassified workers, Ganley said he could not discuss specific issues that may be part of negotiations. "The government is optimistic it'll reach an agreement that is both fair and equitable to the employees, and that balances the need to provide sustainable and affordable public services," he said.
There are about 150 corrections workers at the Niagara Detention Centre.
Posted By SAMANTHA CRAGGS, SUN MEDIA
Corrections officers have hit the streets in their bid for a new contract.
More than 100 workers from Ontario's 32 jails gathered outside Niagara Detention Centre in Thorold Thursday to protest what they say is the government's inaction in negotiating an agreement. The current contract for more than 40,000 Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) workers, including about 8,000 corrections officers, expires Dec. 31.
The workers held an information picket, chanting, "We want a contract, we want it now." They waved signs reading, "My job, your services, our communities" and, "All I want for Christmas is a fair contract."
The provincial side of the negotiations is handled by the Ministry of Government Services, which represents various ministries in the talks.
"We're here saying, 'Bargain with us,'" said Dan Sidsworth, a member of OPSEU's provincial employee relations committee and a Milton corrections officer.
A main issue for corrections workers is the overuse of "unclassified" officers, who often work full-time hours but are considered part time by the province, said John Mengia, president of OPSEU Niagara Detention Centre local 252. There are about 1,100 officers in Ontario who do not get benefits and are called at early-morning hours to go to work, he said. Some are considered "unclassified" after 15 years.
"I was unclassified for nine years," said 19-year veteran Carol Sousa, also local unit vice-president. "I was a single parent getting 5 a. m. phone calls and trying to arrange for a babysitter."
The province has committed more police officers for Ontario's streets, yet has not boosted the full-time complement of corrections officers to match it, Dave Willis, local chief steward, said. Instead, it hires more unclassified officers. "We don't have unclassified police officers," he said. "We're an arm of the law."
The one-day picket drew workers from jails in London, Toronto and elsewhere.
The workers played Hero by Foo Fighters on repeat and tried unsuccessfully to speak to a Niagara Detention Centre superintendent.
Negotiations have been ongoing, said Ciaran Ganley, a Ministry of Government Services spokesman. As for unclassified workers, Ganley said he could not discuss specific issues that may be part of negotiations. "The government is optimistic it'll reach an agreement that is both fair and equitable to the employees, and that balances the need to provide sustainable and affordable public services," he said.
There are about 150 corrections workers at the Niagara Detention Centre.
Monday, December 15, 2008
On the Record
Copied from the Official Records for December 09, 2008
CORRECTIONAL FACILITY EMPLOYEES
Mr. Robert W. Runciman: Back to the Premier. The people of this province are not the dupes you think they are and the police know that the person not doing his job is that minister.
Premier, again, back to the Auditor General's report in speaking to incompetence and mismanagement, which seem to be the order of the day with respect to his commentary. Particularly glaring, I believe, is the blatant abuse of sick leave among jail guards, taking an average of 32 days of sick leave a year. That's an increase of 63% since 2001, costing Ontarians $20 million a year. Premier, how could you have allowed this to happen? Is your minister AWOL on this file as well?
Hon. Dalton McGuinty: I want to thank the auditor as well for this particular advice. Obviously, that rate of sick leave is unacceptable. There is obviously a serious problem associated with this. I've asked the minister to take a careful look at this, but I want to say to Ontario taxpayers that this is an unacceptable rate of absenteeism and sick leave. We're not prepared to accept it. We will do the necessary work to find out more precisely what is causing it and we'll do everything that we can to address it.
1040
The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Supplementary?
Mr. Robert W. Runciman: Well, last time I checked, this government had been in office for over five years. I will admit this has been a consistent problem in the system, but it has doubled on your watch. That's how significant this problem has become. The Auditor General pointed to one corrections facility that was privately operated until your ideological closure. When the government took over operation of that jail, privately operated, absenteeism jumped by 55% in one year. Talk about incompetence and mismanagement. Premier, I ask you again, why should Ontarians have any faith in terms of your government knowing how to manage their tax dollars efficiently? What specific steps are you taking? Let's hear some specific steps today, not these generalities. How are you dealing with this problem?
Hon. Dalton McGuinty: The Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services can speak to that.
Hon. Rick Bartolucci: I thank the member again for the supplemental question. We have implemented a program to track absenteeism in our correctional facilities. We will continue to do that tracking. We will continue to work in a very, very proactive way with our partners in correction, the union and all levels in the correctional services part of our ministry, to ensure that we reduce that number, because, as the Premier said, that number is too high. It's not acceptable to me; it's not acceptable to this government; it's not acceptable to the opposition. And do you know what? It's not acceptable to the correctional services officers also.
The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Final supplementary.
Mr. Robert W. Runciman: What an enlightening response: "It's not acceptable." The minister, I think, has been in his job for over a year now. I have to suspect-he seemed to be completely caught off guard yesterday when he was asked about this, which has to be surprising, shocking and alarming with respect to this problem.
This problem has grown under his government's watch, dramatically grown. We're looking at this province being in a recession, hundreds of thousands of people losing their jobs, and you have government employees taking over a month off-paid leave, effectively. Over a year on the job, five years plus that this government has been in office, and you don't have anything but generalities, again saying, "We're concerned. We'r e concerned. We're concerned." Well, Ontario taxpayers, hard-working, honest Ontarians, want action, not words like " Concerned, concerned." When are you going to do something? Let us know what the specifics are.
Hon. Rick Bartolucci: Well, let me speak a little bit more slowly, then. We have implemented a program to track absenteeism in our correctional institutions. I think that's very proactive. We will continue to work with our partners in correctional services to diminish that number. I think that is proactive. And we will continue to be very proactive with all our partners to ensure that that number comes down. We've all agreed that that number is too high, and we're going to work together to ensure that the number comes down.
CORRECTIONAL FACILITY EMPLOYEES
Mr. Robert W. Runciman: Back to the Premier. The people of this province are not the dupes you think they are and the police know that the person not doing his job is that minister.
Premier, again, back to the Auditor General's report in speaking to incompetence and mismanagement, which seem to be the order of the day with respect to his commentary. Particularly glaring, I believe, is the blatant abuse of sick leave among jail guards, taking an average of 32 days of sick leave a year. That's an increase of 63% since 2001, costing Ontarians $20 million a year. Premier, how could you have allowed this to happen? Is your minister AWOL on this file as well?
Hon. Dalton McGuinty: I want to thank the auditor as well for this particular advice. Obviously, that rate of sick leave is unacceptable. There is obviously a serious problem associated with this. I've asked the minister to take a careful look at this, but I want to say to Ontario taxpayers that this is an unacceptable rate of absenteeism and sick leave. We're not prepared to accept it. We will do the necessary work to find out more precisely what is causing it and we'll do everything that we can to address it.
1040
The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Supplementary?
Mr. Robert W. Runciman: Well, last time I checked, this government had been in office for over five years. I will admit this has been a consistent problem in the system, but it has doubled on your watch. That's how significant this problem has become. The Auditor General pointed to one corrections facility that was privately operated until your ideological closure. When the government took over operation of that jail, privately operated, absenteeism jumped by 55% in one year. Talk about incompetence and mismanagement. Premier, I ask you again, why should Ontarians have any faith in terms of your government knowing how to manage their tax dollars efficiently? What specific steps are you taking? Let's hear some specific steps today, not these generalities. How are you dealing with this problem?
Hon. Dalton McGuinty: The Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services can speak to that.
Hon. Rick Bartolucci: I thank the member again for the supplemental question. We have implemented a program to track absenteeism in our correctional facilities. We will continue to do that tracking. We will continue to work in a very, very proactive way with our partners in correction, the union and all levels in the correctional services part of our ministry, to ensure that we reduce that number, because, as the Premier said, that number is too high. It's not acceptable to me; it's not acceptable to this government; it's not acceptable to the opposition. And do you know what? It's not acceptable to the correctional services officers also.
The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Final supplementary.
Mr. Robert W. Runciman: What an enlightening response: "It's not acceptable." The minister, I think, has been in his job for over a year now. I have to suspect-he seemed to be completely caught off guard yesterday when he was asked about this, which has to be surprising, shocking and alarming with respect to this problem.
This problem has grown under his government's watch, dramatically grown. We're looking at this province being in a recession, hundreds of thousands of people losing their jobs, and you have government employees taking over a month off-paid leave, effectively. Over a year on the job, five years plus that this government has been in office, and you don't have anything but generalities, again saying, "We're concerned. We'r e concerned. We're concerned." Well, Ontario taxpayers, hard-working, honest Ontarians, want action, not words like " Concerned, concerned." When are you going to do something? Let us know what the specifics are.
Hon. Rick Bartolucci: Well, let me speak a little bit more slowly, then. We have implemented a program to track absenteeism in our correctional institutions. I think that's very proactive. We will continue to work with our partners in correctional services to diminish that number. I think that is proactive. And we will continue to be very proactive with all our partners to ensure that that number comes down. We've all agreed that that number is too high, and we're going to work together to ensure that the number comes down.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Picket planned for Niagara DC
Local 252 at the Niagara Detention Centre invites all members to an information picket Dec. 18 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on.
Management prevented unclassified correctional officers from attending the unclassified rally in Toronto on Dec. 10 by scheduling them that day for mandatory four-hour training.
“This is a classic intimidation tactic that is typical of management at NDC,” said Kristy Grahame, Local 252 steward and provincial unclassified mobilizer. “If our officers can’t go to Toronto to support OPSEU, we'll bring OPSEU to them!”
Local media and MPPs have been invited to the rally, and food and beverages will be provided.
Contact Kristy at Kristyrocks24@hotmail.com.
Management prevented unclassified correctional officers from attending the unclassified rally in Toronto on Dec. 10 by scheduling them that day for mandatory four-hour training.
“This is a classic intimidation tactic that is typical of management at NDC,” said Kristy Grahame, Local 252 steward and provincial unclassified mobilizer. “If our officers can’t go to Toronto to support OPSEU, we'll bring OPSEU to them!”
Local media and MPPs have been invited to the rally, and food and beverages will be provided.
Contact Kristy at Kristyrocks24@hotmail.com.
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