Corrections/Criminal Justice

“We are ready to get to the bargaining table to negotiate collective agreements that reflect the value of the vital services our members provide to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.”

"We’re prepared for any action we have to take to get our members the improved contracts they’ve earned,” said BCGEU President Darryl Walker.

In 2011 the Ottawa police responded to more than 4,000 calls that were related to a mental health issue. This is an increase over reported cases in 2010 with a large increase in mental health related arrests.

“This is a positive first public sector agreement reached with the newly elected Dunderdale administration,” said Bert Blundon, NAPE Secretary Treasurer and chief negotiator.

“We welcome the Auditor General’s report, which clearly evidences the workload strain faced by probation officers in our province,” says BCGEU President Darryl Walker.

“We look forward to meeting with Premier Wall to discuss issues that affect our members, many of whom are employed by the government of Saskatchewan,” said Bymoen.

Key items identified for 2012 bargaining by BCGEU/NUPGE members.

All Together Now! women activists to focus on public services key to achieving life/work balance.

Dignity Denied 2011 illustrates the flaws in our current system of long-term care and offers common sense solutions for positive change.

"Workers are being told to work longer, pay more and receive less," said James Clancy, NUPGE National President. "We stand in solidarity with each and every UNISON member in the fight for decent pensions. Enough is enough."

New research published by the Tax Justice Network shows that tax evasion costs governments around the world more than US$3.1 trillion annually.

Help push back B.C.'s antidemocratic legislation. Fight Bill 18!

At least one out of every three women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime - with the abuser usually someone known to her.

"So bailing out the banks while punishing workers is not, in fact, a recipe for prosperity." - Paul Krugman, Nobel Prize winning economist.

"This 30 year struggle shows that Canada needs to improve its pay equity laws to ensure this injustice never happens again. Women must be treated and compensated fairly in every workplace." - James Clancy, NUPGE President

“We are excited about what this may mean for our members in corrections,” says Jessome.

"We need to work together to force them to put people before tax cuts and excessive corporate profits." - James Clancy, NUPGE President.

"This is good for all workers in Nova Scotia," says NSGEU President Joan Jessome. "Eighty per cent of Canadians already have labour legislation like this. Our workers deserve the same kind of supports."

Politics, more than the economy and technology, has a greater impact on rates of unionization.

The BCGEU/NUPGE supported this consultation process and is now calling on the government to make a decision on the new facility which would help alleviate the chronic overcrowding in the existing prisons.

The Occupy movement is here to stay. It will morph into something else. But it’s not going away until there are serious reforms to our economy and democracy.

Memorial will pay tribute to brothers and sisters who lost their lives while on the job. 

“Mr. O’Leary’s wilful promotion of contempt and hatred towards unions reflects a viewpoint that has often ended in violence perpetrated against union members and leaders around the world.”

It is the role of a democratic government in a civil society to defend all human rights. Human rights cannot flourish where labour rights are not enforced.

"Violence is not part of our members' jobs. They have the right to go to work without fear of being punched, stabbed, kicked or spit on. And their employer has a legal obligation to ensure their workplace is safe."

Key finding of 2008 Lost in Transition report that a lack of capacity in the mental health system is failing Vancouver's mentally ill and draining police resources remains true.

"We are pleased the government has listened to the concerns from sheriffs, judges and the public about the need to have proper security in our courts," said BCGEU President Darryl Walker.

Whether it is hockey or baseball, it is great to see Correctional Officers and Sheriffs come together, have some fun for such a good cause,” says Joan Jessome, NSGEU President.

“What’s even more rare is the opportunity to have the Minister of the department come and meet with frontline staff to talk candidly about what the department is prepared to do with the information they’ve been provided.” - Lois Wales, MGEU President.

“The lesson of the Mike Harris era is that cuts to public services hurt us all,” said Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

News that the Manitoba government is creating a mental health court in 2011 is being greeted as a small step forward by the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE).

Deputy Sheriffs around the province are having their hours cut dramatically by the provincial government, which will cause more problems keeping courts running, says the British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE).

“The government must take action to ensure that the basic rights of its employees are safeguarded, and that no one is penalized for trying to stop workplace harassment,” Sid Wonitowy, a member of SGEU’s Public Service Negotiating Committee, concludes.

Points to a problem with private jails ‘cherry-picking’ healthy and easy prisoners and leaving state facilities with more difficult and costly inmates.

Planning gets underway for public service fightback campaign in Ontario.

Increase in remand numbers contributing factor to over-crowding in provincial correctional facilities.

Closures move province closer to flawed US model of superjails.

"Of grave concern to us is the unacceptable fact that adult probation officers often find themselves working alone in unsafe conditions, a situation which must be rectified immediately." - NAPE President, Carol Furlong.

The pretense for the attacks is that state governments are broke and radical measures are required to eliminate budget deficits. This is a false argument.

"We may be retired but we are huge in voter numbers so we are pleased to see how the efforts of NUPGE to reach out have been so successful. Grey power may not rule, but it sure does have an impact." Dave and Bonnie Scott, winners.

“How can the government identify Children’s Aid as a source of savings at a time when programs for abused and neglected children need a major infusion of cash just to keep afloat?” - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU president.

Report comes as the government is facing a challenge for their prior refusal to release to the Commons finance committee cost estimates for their crime bills.

Fifty-six percent of civil service members voted with sixty-seven percent of those who cast a ballot voting to accept the offer.

The Conservative government’s "tough on crime" agenda is a waste of resources and is actually making the real problems in our justice system worse.

“The BC government has a legal, moral and ethical duty to ensure that their citizens have basic access to the justice system,” said Walker. “On every count, by every measure, they have failed spectacularly to provide these services to their citizens." Darryl Walker, president, BCGEU/NUPGE

"Trust in public institutions and in the police are essential to a well - adjusted society. Police brutality affects us all: it is a betrayal of the rule of law as people bound to maintain the law abuse it. "- Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) and the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE)

Stable funding for Medicare, social programs and post-secondary education should not be sacrificed for today's corporate tax cuts.

There's very little evidence these tax cuts will lead to more jobs. In fact, they come with no strings attached so companies that eliminate jobs are actually rewarded - James Clancy, NUPGE national president.

Delay announced despite more than 7,700 outstanding bench warrants and 25,000 other warrants continue to go undelivered because police services are stretched to limits.

The Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) will now be arranging times and locations for ratification meetings.

'It’s been a particularly long and difficult round of negotiations.'

MGEU requesting a return to the bargaining table as soon as possible.

Correctional officers will be called upon to help deal with demands for increased security at provincial courts in the coming months.

Case illustrates the inadequacy of mental health services in Canada and the lack of flexibility courts now face because of mandatory sentencing laws.

Province finally agrees to expanded role for sheriffs to relieve some of the demands now being handled by police departments.

Bringing together nearly 17,000 members who work in developmental services, children’s aid societies, child treatment areas, youth corrections and community agencies.

Tim Hudak is misleading voters by pretending that an attack on public sector jobs and wages will deal with a financial mess that the financial sector has caused, says James Clancy, NUPGE's national president.

Warren (Smokey) Thomas will present a brief on behalf of 125,000 OPSEU members across Ontario.

Expansion of existing facilities welcome but new correction facilities are badly needed, says MGEU.

129 known instances over three years in federal prisons indicates likelihood of much larger problem across Canada.

'The four-year deal includes a general wage increase of 2.75% in each of the last two years and a no lay-off clause.'

Address critical overcrowding situation in correctional facilities before someone is killed, BCGEU demands.

'Police services have serious crimes to deal with, such as gang activity, and having sheriffs take on some traffic duties would free up a great deal of their time.'

'The report is in many cases complimentary of our members and the good work they do.' - Joan Jessome.

'While the ministry has been doing some work to improve workload conditions, there is still a long way to go.'

'We support the move by the government to consult.... No one, including ourselves, wants a jail forced on a community.' - Darryl Walker.

Explosive tensions exist at the North Fraser Pretrial Centre in B.C. where 650 inmates are packed into facilities meant to house a maximum of 300 prisoners.

Dozens of events will be held across the province on Friday (Dec. 3) to fight back against the McGuinty government's plan to scapegoat public sector workers.

The impact on public employees will stretch far beyond the two-year freeze proposed by the province – all for the benefit of already-wealthy corporations.

'Needless to say, this had been a difficult bargaining climate.'

'More than one-third of individuals in custody in Ontario suffer from some sort of mental illness.'

A new study by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives says rationale for Harper's crime agenda defies 20-year downtrend crime rates.

'A rights-based system makes sense, because it removes politics from the justice system.' - Darryl Walker.

'We are criminalizing, incarcerating and warehousing the mentally disordered in large and alarming numbers.'

'A message that government negotiators need to discuss members’ concerns, particularly about the issue of overcrowding.'

'Polling has told us the public values the public services they receive.' - Joan Jessome.

Report makes recommendations to protect women from serial predators who traget victims because of their availability, vulnerability and desirability.

'It's not good for them, it's not good for the community, it's not good for the justice system and it's not good for the health system.' - Justice Minister Alison Redford of Alberta.

Worst score among nine British Columbia correctional facilities in Workplace Environment Survey.

'He doesn't remember any of the family now. He doesn't know my mom.'

Tories blame "unacceptably high" crime rate even though Statistics Canada reports that crime rates have fallen.

23% increase in inmate count forecast over next five years, says Alberta's solicitor general.

Elimination of two-for-one pre-sentencing credits will add 160 days to two years to the costs of keeping federal inmates behind bars.

Preliminary data suppressed by government during Commons debates reveals impact of abolishing two-for-one remand credits when inmates are sentenced to prison.

Thousands of peace and police officers from across Canada participated over the weekend in annual ceremonies remembering those who have died in the line of duty.

Harper government's tough-on-criminals agenda means province will have to build additional facilities to hold a wave of new inmates sentenced by the courts, BCGEU says.

'There will be a less safe environment in Canadian penitentiaries.' - Howard Sapers.

Canadians encouraged to e-mail, fax and phone MPs in advance of critical Commons vote on Bill C-391.

Activists from across the country will be meeting to discuss a broad range of workplace and public policy concerns.

'You know, you're playing with a ticking time bomb.... The government has to get a handle on this.' -  Bob Bymoen.

'This is about improving road safety for all British Columbians and working to provide additional resources to police forces.' - Dean Purdy.

'Now is a good time for all civil service members — and all NSGEU members — to speak up about the vital importance of having enough workers to do the work.' - NSGEU.

Rallies planned at noon on Wednesday in Sydney, Halifax and New Glasgow.

Two-year deal ratified after 'a lot of hard work' by NSGEU negotiators who were constrained by a climate of 'ongoing program review' within the government.

Ratification recommended after two-year deal reached by parties with assistance from a provincial mediator.

Smoothing process may allow scheduled of 40 hours one week and 30 hours the next.

Already packed Fraser Regional Correctional Centre now required to house up to four times the number of inmates it was designed to accommodate.

'It's about time," says Jim Gosse of NSGEU correctional Local 480.

Tough on crime sentencing laws causing prison population to soar. Inmates 'quadruple-bunked and sleeping in hallways.'

NSGEU holds province-wide meeting to discuss issues related to staff cuts and safety on the job.

'No one should doubt our members’ resolve to make employment security our top priority in this round of bargaining."

NSGEU committed to 'achieving the best possible collective agreement' for more than 450 workers.

'Our deputy sheriff members have made it very clear that public safety is at risk if these cuts go ahead.' - Joan Jessome.

'Inmates are not just being double-bunked in some places they are triple-bunked and sleeping on cots in every available bit of floor space. To add to this problem is a recipe for disaster.' - James Clancy.

'These workers do an incredible job under unbelievably difficult circumstances each and every day, but they have reached a breaking point.' - Peter Olfert.

"The number of disturbances and injuries continuing to rise and the risk to corrections staff is at an all-time high.'

'Our jails are operating at 180% above capacity.' - Darryl Walker, BCGEU president.

National poll finds widespread support for a staff association with real bargaining power or a traditional trade union.

Federal women inmates are primarily poor or homeless, undereducated and suffering from addictions or mental health problems.

'The results show that employment security was key for our members, but they have also said that when we are at the table in two years they will want us to negotiate a wage increase.' - Darryl Walker.

Correctional Officers speak with political and organizational leaders about the growing problem of people with mental health problems in provincial correctional facilities.

The following Opinion Editorial by Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) Social Sciences Component Director, Jan Henley, was published in the April 28th edition of the Winnipeg Free Press.

'Unless the government mandate changes soon we will be at an impasse.' - BCGEU president Darryl Walker.

NUPGE calls for thorough review of legislation with the involvement of front-line workers in the sector rather than piecemeal approach to changing the law.

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.

Increasing incarceration of people with mental issues is cruel and unusual punishment – NUPGE.

'Inmate counts at provincial jails continue to significantly exceed capacity – in some cases by as much as 100%.'

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