Our last dates with the Employer at the bargaining table left us disgusted and angry. Not only was the Employer not listening to our needs; they were only bringing concessions to the table.
After those dates, we called on you to send a loud message to the Employer: Enough is Enough – Get Serious About Bargaining!
On July 9th – you showed up!
You were supported by members from other sectors across OPSEU/SEFPO as well as Executive Board Members from every region. Members from as far away as Monteith got together to show their support – knowing they wouldn’t be able to join in Toronto.
At the Corrections Rally we sent a united message: Corrections is done being ignored. This division is frustrated — and the Employer needed to see, face-to-face, that we’re serious.
At the rally, OPSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick delivered a powerful message, and our mobilizers shared impactful personal accounts of their experiences working on the front lines. Bottom line – Corrections deserves a fair deal.
Your solidarity sent a powerful message — one that was felt across the bargaining table. You showed the Employer that we can, and will, fight for what we need.
Bargaining Update
Your bargaining team met with the Employer on July 9-10 and you made sure they could no longer ignore our priorities. Over the course of the two days, the Employer finally came to the table with some responses to our proposals. For the first time in a long time, we’ve started to see something that actually looks like bargaining.
There’s a long road ahead, but this is movement. And movement matters.
Negotiated Settlements Are Critical.
We know some members are wondering, “Why keep negotiating if we have binding arbitration?”
In a healthy bargaining environment, things like chronic understaffing, burnout, and the exploitation of fixed-term members are best solved through solutions negotiated by the parties that understand those issues. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Corrections doesn’t fit in the same box as everyone else. Our issues won’t be solved by default outcomes or one-size-fits-all rulings. We need real solutions — built by us, for us.
Your Correctional Bargaining Team is committed to bringing back a negotiated settlement so that you – the members – can vote on your contract rather than have a contract imposed by an arbitrator.
That’s why bargaining matters. That’s why showing up matters. That’s why your continued support matters.
Bargaining continues August 11-12.
Our Mental Health Matters
Corrections mobilizers have been travelling the province, hearing from you about the challenges you face and the impacts of working in corrections under current conditions. Members have been sharing powerful and personal messages to help start real conversations about mental health and the importance of supporting one another.
If you, a family member, or colleague is struggling you can reach out for support from Badge of Life Canada or call Boots on the Ground 24/7 at 1-833-677-BOOT (2668).
Remember: LockTalk is your only official source of accurate bargaining information. If you have questions, please contact the bargaining team at CorrectionsOPSBargaining@opseu.org
In solidarity,
Janet Laverty, Chair, Correctional Bargaining Team
Adam Cygler, Vice-Chair, Correctional Bargaining Team