This is an archive of news stories and research from the National Union of Public and General Employees. Please see our new site - https://nupge.ca - for the most current information.
MGEU says 'bulked-up criminals' pose increasing problem to peace officers and employers should assist them in keeping in shape.
Winnipeg (15 Jan. 2010) - Manitoba corrections officers (COs) and sheriffs are following the lead of Winnipeg police officers in making workout time on the job a bargaining issue.
"They have, in the past, tried to bargain a fitness allowance into their collective agreements [and] with bargaining just around the corner it is guaranteed that this issue will come up again," says John Baert, a spokesman for the Manitoba Government Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE).
"Those workers often face the same challenges as police officers, in particular the bulked-up criminals," he says. "Our position, like that of the police, is that there should be allowances for COs and sheriffs to ensure these individuals who deal with often physically-imposing inmates. . . . Yes, even if that means on work time at [the] employer's expense."
Winnipeg police officers are seeking daily gym time during their shifts to help keep pace with criminals who they argue are coming out of jails more fit and muscular than ever before. They are seeking pay for half the time spent working out. The other half would be done on personal time.
MGEU says RCMP officers get one hour of paid workout time per week if they promise to do at least that much on their own time. Firefighters in Winnipeg also work out on the job but they have more down time between calls than police officers.
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