Corrections/Criminal Justice

MGEU says 'bulked-up criminals' pose increasing problem to peace officers and employers should assist them in keeping in shape.

'Our proposals will focus on winnable issues that resolve long standing inequities.' - BCGEU president Darryl Walker.

Covering employees called into service for the winter games next month in Vancouver.

“It’s unacceptable that these specialists are being treated like this,” says MGEU President Peter Olfert.

'It is only a matter of time before a tragedy occurs in this jail …a tragedy that is completely avoidable.' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

Officers strike in protest as tensions ignite over bullying and harassment by supervisors.

'The main goal has to be public safety. Providing support, supervision and rehabilitation programs upon an offender's release into the community is critical.' - James Clancy.

Thousands join peace and police officers in annual ceremonies remembering those who have died in the line of duty.

Experts from across the country will join representatives of Canada's justice workers to assess the growing crisis posed by mental health problems in correctional facilities.

'We are now in the second year of this initiative within youth justice.'

'The union welcomes the achievement of a tentative agreement without having to go through binding arbitration.' - Joan Jessome.

'There are over 40,000 outstanding warrants waiting to be served in B.C. .' - BCGEU's Dean Purdy.

Approximate raises of $9,000 and $6,500 won by NSGEU.

“This is an encouraging sign that the Government is working towards creating a safe and secure environment for our members and the offenders housed in these facilities” - Peter Olfert, President MGEU/NUPGE.

Dating back to the 1880s, the program includes two operations in the Kingston, Ont. area, and others near Dorchester, N.B., Stony Mountain, Man., Prince Albert, Sask. and Innisfail, Alta.

Warren (Smokey) Thomas calls on the province to come up with a joint plan to deal with overcrowding, safety and other issues affecting front-line workers.

Similar programs are already operating in Ontario and Saskatchewan.

Murders, escapes, drug-dealing, overcrowding, underfunding and suicide behind unauthorized strike by thousands of correctional officers in France.

'This clearly shows a lack of respect for the members who provide police services.' - Joan Jessome

Province-wide SGEU campaign features firefighters, highways workers, social workers and corrections workers.

NUPGE urges federal justice minister to use stimulus money to begin "massive investment" in new and upgraded correctional facilities across Canada.

'We can train sheriffs much quicker than police officers and there are substantial cost savings for taxpayers in this model.' - Dean Purdy

'We have been asking for these changes for decades.... We hope the government carries through.' - SGEU president Bob Bymoen.

Province demanding long list of unacceptable concessions, including  the issue of sick leave which nearly led to a province-wide strike by Ontario correctional workers.

Now is the time to fix long-standing problems within the system - Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

'The bargaining team asked the members for support and that’s exactly what we got.' - team chair David Kerr.

The National Union sees the detention of a 30 year old Ottawa man with Down syndrome and bipolar disorder as highlighting the national crisis in mental health and criminal justice systems.

Remaining 35,000 Ontario Public Service members ratify settlement.

Interest arbitration award affects employees at five provincial facilities.

'Selling off prisons to big business is abhorrent.... assaults on officers increase, the welfare of inmates plummets and community security is compromised.'

'The current set-up at HMP is a time bomb waiting to explode.' - NAPE president Carol Furlong

'Sheriffs and correctional officers put their lives on the line each day.' - BCGEU

31st annual Police and Peace Officers Memorial Service

Overcrowding in Ontario jails continues to be a major contributor to the smuggling of contraband by inmates, says the president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE).

'Profound change is essential if people living with mental illness are to receive the help they need and deserve.' - James Clancy

Meeting with justice minister on terms of reference for independent audit of facilities in Nova Scotia

The Maple Leaf should be lowered on the Peace Tower for soldiers killed in the line of duty and for other special days designated by Parliament

Union president expects ruling by May 9

NUPGE president James Clancy says Canadian correctional workers coping with similar issues

Serious concern for state of youth justice system infrastructure. In many provinces the facilities and resources no longer exist should an amended YCJA result in an increase of the number of youth placed in custody.

'Jeopardizing safety in provincial prisons.' – BCGEU president George Heyman

Probation and parole officers, sheriffs, highway safety officers and conservation officers should be given the same pension accrual rate as police, correctional officers and paramedics

More than 30 officers invoke safety provisions in Occupational Health and Safety Act

'These workers play an important role in Canada's criminal justice system.' - James Clancy

'They are understandably as mad as hell.' - MGEU president Peter Olfert

'The goal is not to simply incarcerate or punish more youth but to help them become contributing members of Canadian society.' - James Clancy

Annual service on Parliament Hill is not about death but respect for the fallen

Coincides with Canadian Police and Peace Officers' Memorial Service Sept. 30 on Parliament Hill
 

Justice workers represented by NUPGE seek greater role in shaping public policy

  Doesn't require 'rocket science' to understand the threat      

Urgent action needed by the province to address critical issues, says BCGEU president George Heyman

Wages, safety and hours of work key issues at young offender facility in Ontario's Durham Region

The proposed 'tough on crime' legislation would exacerbate an already critical situation in our provincial correctional facilities.

Calling for a full public inquiry into the threats and the resulting poisoned work environment

"Our members have been through a lot of uncertainty over the past five years." - Sean Wilson

'The system has some excellent people working in it and Parliament and provincial legislatures need to hear from them.' - MP Joe Comartin

Announcement by health minister likely delays final decision until after next federal election

By Peter Olfert
President
Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union

Cutbacks by Campbell government have escalated tensions within institutions and are making life more dangerous for guards and staff

Recently-introduced federal legislation makes conference especially timely

'The counts are up in all centres and are over-capacity.' - SGEU spokesperson Barry Nowoselsky