Jail staff warn of danger if they strike
Managers lined up from such Ontario government ministries as finance and environment to replace corrections officers during a potential strike are not prepared to handle the constant dangers of working in jails, members of the Ontario Public Service Union warn.
And no attempt to placate inmates with chocolate bars and potato chips will change that, they said.
“For their sake, I hope they don’t get in over their head,” OPSEU bargaining team chairman Tom O’Neill said Thursday. “Some of these managers are going in thinking it’s not dangerous — and they’re wrong. Inmates think nothing of assaulting staff.
“Money is one thing, but how much is your life worth?”
According to a memo circulating through the corrections community, managers could earn up to double-anda-half pay but will not be allowed to carry pepper spray or use force on inmates. If there’s a physical altercation with inmates, only corrections managers — who can carry pepper spray — will be allowed to use force.
The government contends managers will have little “direct contact” with inmates and will be trained to work in the jail. In the leaked memo, duties for incoming managers involve “doing tours,” “providing backup” and “operating control modules when trained.”
“Managers from across the Ontario Public Service have been trained to perform work that is typically done by those who may be on strike,” said Allison Buchan-Terrell, a spokeswoman for Treasury Board President Deb Matthews.
“Most direct contact with inmates will be handled and overseen by experienced corrections managers.”
O’Neill will be sitting down with government representatives in an attempt to reach an agreement before the 12: 01 a. m. Sunday deadline, but one local OPSEU representative said the two sides were “not countries, but continents apart.”
The government’s other preparations for a potential strike are already being noted within some Ontario prisons.
Two local OPSEU presidents said they saw giant shipments of chocolate bars and chips delivered to their prisons last week.
Inmates are usually only able to purchase these items once per week when a private company visits the jails.
“This stuff has already been purchased and it’s been shipped,” said Chris Jackel, president of local 369, who represents corrections officers at the Central North Correctional Centre in Penetanguishene.
Inmates could end up confined to their cells in a state of lockdown for days at a time if managers feel outnumbered and unable to deal with the situation, Jackel said. Access to exercise, fresh air, phone calls and even the ability to bathe is expected to be lowered.
The treats may be used to raise inmate morale after periods of lockdown, he said. “I guess they think they can appease 1,100 inmates (at the Central North Correctional Centre) with chocolate bars and pop.”