Probation Officers

Two-year deal ratified after 'a lot of hard work' by NSGEU negotiators who were constrained by a climate of 'ongoing program review' within the government.

'No one should doubt our members’ resolve to make employment security our top priority in this round of bargaining."

'Inmates are not just being double-bunked in some places they are triple-bunked and sleeping on cots in every available bit of floor space. To add to this problem is a recipe for disaster.' - James Clancy.

'These workers do an incredible job under unbelievably difficult circumstances each and every day, but they have reached a breaking point.' - Peter Olfert.

Federal women inmates are primarily poor or homeless, undereducated and suffering from addictions or mental health problems.

The following Opinion Editorial by Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) Social Sciences Component Director, Jan Henley, was published in the April 28th edition of the Winnipeg Free Press.

NUPGE calls for thorough review of legislation with the involvement of front-line workers in the sector rather than piecemeal approach to changing the law.

'Our proposals will focus on winnable issues that resolve long standing inequities.' - BCGEU president Darryl Walker.

'The main goal has to be public safety. Providing support, supervision and rehabilitation programs upon an offender's release into the community is critical.' - James Clancy.

Increasing incarceration of people with mental issues is cruel and unusual punishment – NUPGE.

Experts from across the country will join representatives of Canada's justice workers to assess the growing crisis posed by mental health problems in correctional facilities.

Similar programs are already operating in Ontario and Saskatchewan.

NUPGE urges federal justice minister to use stimulus money to begin "massive investment" in new and upgraded correctional facilities across Canada.

The Maple Leaf should be lowered on the Peace Tower for soldiers killed in the line of duty and for other special days designated by Parliament

Probation and parole officers, sheriffs, highway safety officers and conservation officers should be given the same pension accrual rate as police, correctional officers and paramedics

'These workers play an important role in Canada's criminal justice system.' - James Clancy

The proposed 'tough on crime' legislation would exacerbate an already critical situation in our provincial correctional facilities.

By Peter Olfert
President
Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union

Recently-introduced federal legislation makes conference especially timely