Youth detention centre staff reject tentative deal

Workers rejected a tentative deal to end a lockout that has closed a Hamilton youth detention facility for more than three months.

The 60 staff at Arrell Youth Centre voted Monday against the mediated agreement because of proposed benefits cuts, says the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU).

Benefits have been at the heart of the dispute between OPSEU local 216 and Banyan, the not-forprofit organization that runs Arrell at 320 Anchor Rd. near Stone Church Road East and Dartnall Road.

Banyan wants staff to cover 20 per cent of the costs and take a reduced benefits package. Staff are opposed because they already pay the entire cost of long-term disability benefits and have no Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage.

The lockout that started on April 27 closed the jail housing 16 young men convicted or accused of serious crimes.

Most of the teens were moved to other parts of the west region, which includes London, Guelph and Niagara. But three did have to go to the east region, which stretches as far as Kingston.

In June, the Canadian Children’s Rights Council called on the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, which funds the centre, to help find a resolution so the facility could reopen as soon as possible.

The nonprofit advocacy council expressed concern about the disruptions the labour dispute was causing to teens’ schooling, families, and their relationships with Arrell staff.

The tentative agreement reached Saturday included a guarantee of no reprisals or discipline for employees upon their return to work.