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"The people who work in our justice system deserve to be accorded the respect and dignity that their occupation deserves. They are risking their own lives to keep all of us safer." - James Clancy, NUPGE President.
Ottawa (30 April 2013) – The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) and its Components have sent a letter of solidarity to striking correctional workers in Alberta who are taking a stand to defend their safety on the job. A letter was also sent to Alberta Premier Alison Redford requesting action on the workers' concerns.
Workers suspended after voicing safety concerns
Last week members of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) were suspended for voicing concerns regarding safety at the newly-built Edmonton Remand Centre. The new $580 million facility opened in April 2013 despite major concern about the open concept construction and related safety issues. In response to the suspensions and to stand behind the serious safety issues, members at the Edmonton Remand Centre responded by striking. News quickly spread to other Alberta correction facilities, where other members joined the wildcat strike.
Ordered to end strike
The Alberta Labour Board issued a back-to-work order on April 27, making the strike illegal. However, a number of correctional officers ignored the order. On April 29, court sheriffs, social workers and clerks in Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge and other communities walked off the job in solidarity.
Same safety concerns across Canada, says NUPGE
“They [Alberta Corrections members] have taken a courageous stand and must be applauded for doing so,” says NUPGE National President, James Clancy. “Our members express the very same concerns that are being voiced by your members. This includes problems with overcrowding, inadequate staffing levels, improper or nonexistent personal protective equipment and a general lack of support from management and government.”
Correctional officers at the Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre, members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE), embarked on a right to refuse unsafe work dispute with the Province in August 2012.
Those members stood strong and by mobilizing member support OPSEU/NUPGE was able to negotiate a successful resolution and implement new protections for its members. To help find a resolution to the dispute in Alberta, NUPGE has offered its expertise or any other assistance the union can provide to help reach a resolution.
Clancy to Redford: Don't punish, resolve concerns
In NUPGE's letter to the Alberta Premier, Clancy urged her and her government to address the concerns being expressed by the women and men who work in the province's correctional facilities.
“The decision to suspend the two officers who raised health and safety concerns at the Edmonton Remand Centre is unacceptable,” says Clancy. “The women and men who work in these facilities risk their health and safety every day on our collective behalf. Instead of a punitive approach, the administration of the Remand Centre should be collaborating with these individuals.”
Alberta agrees to expedited Occupational Health and Safety review
The province had indicated it would not negotiate with the striking workers but on April 30, Redford agreed to a new and expedited Occupational Health and Safety review to investigate concerns previously raised about the Edmonton Remand Centre. The workers returned to work on May 1.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE