Probation Officers

Judges' decision reports that inmates at the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre face "staggering" waiting time to see a psychologist. Jail is just one example of a crisis in correctional facilities across the country.

Unions preparing to respond to the government in the United Kingdom's decision to privatize up to 70% of nation's probation and parole services.  

"Government has a responsibility to ensure the safety of staff and inmates, and we urge them to reconsider the decision to shelve the new remand centre,” said SGEU President Bob Bymoen.

Madeleine Meilleur apologizes for insulting comments, made while responding to questions regarding an incident at the Elgin Middleton Detention Centre, about correctional officers in the province. 

Elephanttalk.ca is intended to start the conversation for Manitobans to share their concerns and their stories about public services in Manitoba.

Proposed changes to the Not Criminally Responsible on account of Mental Disorder provisions of the Criminal Code have been done without adequate consultation and may further stigmatize people with mental health and addictions problems.

Following discussions with representatives from the British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) inspectors found non-compliance of health and safety issues at North Fraser Pre-Trial Centre (NFPC).

 “The inconsistency in what government is saying and what government is doing is unbelievable. There is clearly a credibility issue here.” - Carol Furlong, NAPE President.

“If this government truly believes in fairness, as it claims, then the province’s corporations have to be involved." - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

"We must ensure every worker has the freedom to join a union to protect their interests. Only then will workplace tragedies be prevented," said Clancy. James Clancy, NUPGE President.

“Privatization does not work, no matter what you call it. The public pays more for lower quality services. Just think Ornge, gas plants, e-Health, Highway 407 – and now, chemo drugs.”

“Government must be accountable for both the quality of services delivered to Saskatchewan families, and the cost of providing those services." – Bob Bymoen, SGEU President.

“There is no reason that Saskatchewan labour law needs to be so radically different than the Canadian legislative norm in the treatment of supervisory employees,” says Clancy.

 “At their minimum, strong, equitable and accountable social programs are society’s strongest security against crime and exploitation of others,” states Dr. Carolyn Campbell, Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE) President.

Public services will be cut and assets sold off, hurting families and communities across the province.

Missed what happened in Sudbury on January 8 during the All Together Now! campaign's townhall meeting? Watch the online videos to find out.

Excerpted from an article by Manitoba Government General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) President Michelle Gawronsky that appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press.

This leadership convention marks a potential sea change for Ontario, where priorities can be shifted to promoting quality public services, taking action on tax fairness and investing in communities with a real job strategy.

Details will be distributed to members as soon as they are available, as well as information on dates, times and locations of a ratification vote.

Along with Public Private Partnerships (P3s), Social Impact Bonds are a bit like money laundering because they allow politicians to hide debt.

Chief Spence’s action has helped to galvanize a movement called Idle No More, which arose as a result of the federal government’s recent omnibus Bill C-45.

Richard Wilkinson, one of the world’s most preeminent researchers on social inequalities, and author of the Spirit Level: Why Equality is Better for Everyone will kick of the CFLR conference as the keynote speaker.

We will be doing a disservice to our collective goal of achieving greater equality if all Canadians don't mount a spirited and vigorous offence in support of labour rights and unions.

"People know that when economic injustice and inequality exist, our families and our communities suffer. Economic well being is a human right that must be protected." - James Clancy, NUPGE National President.

“Manitobans have every right to ask Premier Selinger: What programs and services is he looking to cut and why would he endanger economic growth in this way?”

"I can’t understand why there would be no mention of these details when the Minister was face-to-face with the working people directly affected by this legislation,” said Bob Bymoen, SGEU President.

“This isn’t about wage freezes or concessions. This is about the future of our province, and protecting accountable, reliable and cost-effective services.” - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

“Bill C-377 has nothing to do with taxation or tax policy, and everything to do with imposing costly burdens on unions and disclosing sensitive information to employers for strategic advantage.”

This legislation gives the government the right to impose contracts, ban strikes and lock outs and circumvent the courts, the Human Rights Code and the province's own collective bargaining legislation.

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is encouraging Canadians to take the opportunity on World Mental Health Day to learn more about mental illness, as well as ways to promote positive mental health.

If approved by the legislature, the Protecting Public Services bill would allow the government to not just freeze the wages it pays to unionized employees — ranging from nurses to home care workers to hydro linemen — but roll them back.

"To make a difference, Canadians need to pressure our government to take on the issue of income inequality head-on." - James Clancy, NUPGE National President.

The meeting is timed every year to coincide with the Canadian Police And Peace Officer's Memorial held on Parliament Hill.

As a result of the telephone town hall meetings many members were shocked at the possibility of losing control of their retirement savings, while others questioned the legality of the McGuinty plan.

This report is a critical review of the Saskatchewan government's Consultation Paper’s orientation, namely its lack of recognition of the role of labour rights in advancing democracy, equality and economic justice.

“The fact that our officers will be able to properly protect themselves on the job is a major victory,” said Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU President.

Short documentary explains the health and safety concerns that forced Corrections Officers at Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre to refuse unsafe work.

Issue still not resolved as management has broken off negotiations. In response, the union has withdrawn from all joint committees (except Health and Safety).

This Labour Day in 2012, NUPGE celebrates the legacy of those who came before us and we commit to continue the fight for fairness.

"It is not the inexorable march of global economics alone, but rather choices – choices in public budgets, and in economic and social policy – that have failed to rein in the increasing income inequality distributed by the private market and aided in propelling us down this path."

“Many of the changes suggested for consideration by the consultation paper are either directly antagonistic towards unions and workers’ rights and freedoms, or reflect a lack of knowledge about the democratic character of unions as organizations." Paul Champ, human rights lawyer and CFLR board member. Download CFLR report here.

Get your copy of the ATN Campaigner today!

On July 18 Canadians will be sending provincial premiers and the Harper government a message to resume negotiations on the 2014 Health Accord.

“Some of the ideas being floated by the government will undermine unions' ability to represent their members, drive down wages and working conditions and will ultimately negatively impact t

The intolerance that is often at the root of internal displacement and refugee flows is also present in some of the countries that refugees flee to. Instead of finding empathy and understanding, they are often met with mistrust or scorn.

National Union young workers from across Canada are meeting in Ottawa to strategize how to  build a future with economic justice for all.

Stand up for democracy by joining the June 13 protest agains tthe Conservative's budget bill.

Essential services protocol finalized in B.C. but negotiations continue for government workers.

Over $210,000 was collected to support the workers who were killed or injured and their families in the Hampstead accident in February 2012.

PEIUPSE/NUPGE campaign highlights the move away from "compassion and cooperation in favour of a society leaning toward privatization and the elimination of people and services that all Islanders depend on.”

Employers have hijacked the process based on a misplaced ideological conviction that the right to strike, guaranteed under numerous laws, domestic constitutions and international instruments, poses a threat to corporate greed.

NAPE/NUPGE members demonstrate against cuts at Eastern Health.

On June 4, NUPGE is joining with faith groups, trade unions, associations, businesses, First Nations, environment groups, human rights groups, pro democracy groups and seniors, across the country, to say: Silence is Not an Option.

In fighting the dramatic tuition fee hikes, the student movement is defending the values of equality and solidarity which underpin this social contract.

Union activists from across New Brunswick gathered for the Spring Training Session.

Robin Hood and his merry activists take to streets across from Parliament Building in support of the Robin Hood Tax. UPDATED

According to the Parliamentary Budget Officer, Kevin Page, Old Age Security is sustainable - despite what the Harper government is telling you.

"Wherever and whenever you need them, NAPE is there. Every day. For your day."

National Union sees decision to cut award winning prison rehabilitation program as yet another example of Harper government focusing too much on the punitive aspect of criminal justice and too little on the preventative.

"We presented the government with concrete proposals that would produce hundreds of millions of dollars in new annual revenues and savings,” says Walker.

Research indicates that lack of access to timely and appropriate mental health services is a fundamental part of the problem. 

“Mr. Drummond wants to take an axe to public services, ignore tax fairness, and actively kill jobs by taking money out of communities." Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President OPSEU/NUPGE

“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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

“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).

“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.

Planning gets underway for public service fightback campaign in Ontario.

"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.

That's the question we want Canadians to think about.

“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.

"Tax fairness has been flipped upside down in this country,” said Clancy. “Instead of billion dollar give-aways to corporations, the government should invest the money in the public services that ensure a decent quality of life for all Canadians.”

"In our workplaces, in our communities, and across this globe, we have a responsibility to stand up against injustice and discrimination." - James Clancy, national president, National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE).

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.

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.

"In Canada, we’re told that Wisconsin is a lesson for public sector unions. The public can no longer afford to pay for "cushy" salaries and benefits for public sector employees. We have to get with the times. What a complete crock." - NUPGE secretary-treasuer, Larry Brown

"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.

On March 8th, as we take time to celebrate the achievements that women have made and their contributions to a better world, we must also renew our resolve to fight for a true and equitable society,” stresses James Clancy, president of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE).

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.

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

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

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.

'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.'

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

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.'

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

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

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.

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

'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.

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

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.

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.

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

'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.

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.

Similar programs are already operating in Ontario and Saskatchewan.

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

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

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

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

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

By Peter Olfert
President
Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union

Recently-introduced federal legislation makes conference especially timely