Tentative Deal Reached With Correctional Officers
Saturday January 9th, 2016, 9:15am
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Last updated: Saturday January 9th, 11:05am
The union representing correctional services workers and the Ontario Government have reached a tentative deal averting a strike.
This comes after marathon negotiations that began Friday and went through to the early hours of Saturday morning.
Tom O’Neill, Chair of the OPSEU Correctional Bargaining Team, said the agreement achieved enhancements over an earlier deal rejected by correctional workers in December. “All improvements in the November 23 agreement are in this deal, plus other improvements, most notably, transition to binding arbitration to settle bargaining disputes.”
“This deal satisfies the strong desire of our members to have their wages set at arbitration,” O’Neill said. “Frontline correctional staff are first responders who deal with violence, trauma and tragedy in the normal course of our work, and we intend to be recognized for the vital service we provide in keeping Ontarians safe.”
Some 6,000 Correctional workers, who have been without a contract since December 31, 2014, would have been in a legal strike or lockout position as of 12:01 on Sunday morning.