From Millhaven to Collins Bay and other prisons across the country, traffic was backed up as correctional officers took to the streets.
The two-hour morning protest was organized because guards haven’t had a contract for three years.
Union representative Chis Bucholtz says the officers’ work isn’t being recognized by the Treasury Board.
Correctional officers’ union president Jason Godin says achieving wage parity with their federal counterparts — like those with the RCMP and Parks Canada — has been an ongoing challenge throughout negotiations.
“Correctional officers’ jobs continue to be no less dangerous than they were before. including the latest problems we’re having with fentanyl,” Godin said.
Godin adds there are a number of non-monetary issues involved as well, including workplace safety and mental health.
“Things around injury on duty, leave with pay — those are concerns,” Godin said.
In June, corrections officers rejected a contract offer from the Treasury Board, voting 99 per cent against the offer.
Godin is currently in Ottawa trying to work out a new contract with the board.
He says he’s disappointed with the Liberals’ response, noting a change in government hasn’t led to a change in attitude at the bargaining table.
“Still waiting for legislation to pass through the House last November that allows us a dispute mechanism of our choice if we reach an impasse,” he explained. “So far to date we haven’t seen that, so it is very disappointing.”
CKWS contacted Kingston MP Mark Gerretsen to ask about the government’s response to the slow pace of negotiations, but his office did not respond.
Corrections officers are now in their 38th month of negotiations.
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