The union has reached an agreement with the employer on job trades and lateral transfers between the ministries of Community Safety and Correctional Services (MCSCS)  and Children and Youth (MCYS).

OPSEU members working at Kenora Jail, Thunder Bay Correctional Centre, Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre, Ottawa Carleton Detention Centre, Sprucedale Youth Centre and Brookside Youth Centre will be eligible for lateral transfer and job trade opportunities in the two ministries.

Members can apply until Dec. 31, 2008 under the current collective agreement, Article 6.6.1 (lateral transfer) and Article 10.3 (job trade). Applications submitted before Dec. 31, 2007 will be honoured until the request expires.

The ministry has agreed to provide the mandatory training for correctional officers and youth officers transferred under this agreement.

All employees at the sites identified in the agreement are eligible to apply.

The memorandum of agreement and the Q and A document can be found on the OPSEU web site, www.opseu.org, or as attached.

Don Jail mediation begins

Starting May 26, 2008, OPSEU and MCSCS are entering a mediation process for the many grievances at the Toronto Jail. The parties have selected well-known mediator Christopher Albertyn to conduct an interest-based mediation-arbitration of the various personal and systemic issues arising from the receipt of anonymous hate mail by our members, and the employer’s inadequate response to the situation. 

The process will require numerous hearing days over several months. It will involve the individual grievors, and representatives from Local 530, the Corrections MERC, and OPSEU.  In addition to ensuring that the individual members affected by this situation are fairly dealt with, the process will attempt to develop systemic remedies at the workplace so members can work in an environment that is respectful and fair.

In Solidarity,

Dan Sidsworth, MCSCS, MERC Chair 416-807-3469 
Jack Hopkins, MCYS, MERC Chair  519-525-3319