Brothers and Sisters, 

As you know the Correctional Officers and the Nurses are starting on a new schedule starting on Monday January 9, 2010.  With these changes to the schedules there are also some changes to our daily operations.  Therefore the post orders have also been changed.  I understand there is some frustration on the floor about these changes and some of the wording.  These post orders were reviewed by members of the Policy Review committee however keep in mind this committees function in not to write policy they are to “review” them to ensure they are not contradicting other existing policy’s.  It is also my understanding that all draft post orders were on the units approximately 4 weeks ago for input and suggestions. The post orders are now on all of the units.  Please review them, as there are some changes that were added, as a result of both management and member input.  I want everyone to understand that all post orders and even the local standards are living documents and they are always subject to change.  So if there is something that doesn’t work for your area then there will be a section in the post orders that will walk you through the procedures for getting them changed.  I am also asking that everyone try and be patient over the next while as there will be some transitional issues as we are starting our new schedules and possibly new posts. 

On another note, I had the pleasure of meeting with our MPP Garfield Dunlop on January 7, 2010 in his office.   In this meeting I brought forward some of the issues that have been plaguing the Corrections Division.  The issues that we spoke about were, ASMPP, Binding Arbitration, and Corrections professionalism in general. 

Regarding the ASMPP I would like to take the time to thank brother Steve Scott for his continued contributions to his fight against this ridiculous policy.  For those of you that don’t know, brother Scott has already had dealings with Mr. Dunlop regarding this issue and it was brought forward in the House of Commons.

Mr. Dunlop stated that he would continue to support us in this fight against this policy.

I inquired about “Binding Arbitration”  and what he required of the members for this issue to be raised.  He responded by saying that the members put forth a cabinet submission and sign a formal petition.  He also stated that he would assist me in language for this submission and for the petition.  My thoughts are we will come up with some standard language for this and share it with the rest of the division.  I am expecting to have this process started by the end of January.   

The majority of our meeting was about Corrections and our continued fight for respect.  The majority of these issues stem from the corporate level and because there is little respect for each other at that level the membership suffers.  The question is, do I start acting more professional to get treated as such? Or, when they start treating me with respect I will act that way?  I believe that neither is the right answer.  It has to be a combination of both.

Unfortunately we can’t wait for the corporate levels to make progress.  Our image in general is poor in the public eye right now.  We have many great opportunities to change this starting at CNCC.  If our institution sets an example for the rest of the Province it is possible that over time others will follow.  This is not going to happen over night; this will be a long process and will take years.  In the end it will be all worth it.  Here are two examples of where we can start; we should align ourselves with a reputable charity or organization.  I was thinking of “MADD” as this has some relevance to where we work.  We need to get out in the public and get some positive media attention.  I would like to see at least one billboard in our community making a statement to the public “Support Corrections in Ontario”.   

In conclusion, I want to say that we have a very busy time ahead and the Executive is asking for not only support from the members, we are asking for some help to accomplish some of our common goals.  In the near future we will be holding an LEC and a General Membership meeting to give you the opportunity to give us your direction. 

In Solidarity, 
Derek Ainsworth
President, OPSEU
Local 369
Central North Correctional Centre