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| Canadian Jail Officers in New Union Fight |
| By National Post |
| Published: 03/03/2003 |
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Just two years after a bitter fight brought Canadian federal prison officers a new union, the correctional officers are battling each other once again over an attempt to switch unions. A group of dissidents in at least four provinces wants to throw out the current, fledgling organization and set up a new 'association.' They argue that the Quebec-based labour federation that took over representation in 2001 has carried through on few of its promises and given short shrift to members' opinions. Leaders of the current Union of Canadian Correctional Officers (UCCO) dismiss the movement to replace them as the work of a few malcontents, and warn that dissenters risk undermining the officers' position at key contract talks. The last dispute brought slashed tires, unruly protests and fisticuffs. This one is also shaping up to be nasty. 'There is a lot of discontent,' said David Lee, an officer at Collin's Bay penitentiary in Kingston, who is among the organizers of the new movement. 'We're tired of paying the money and not getting anything in return.... We want to have a say in our own destiny.' But Sylvain Martel, the UCCO president, said the dissidents have ignored many improvements ushered in by the union and enjoy little support. Members of the steering committee do not have the backing of the majority of members in their own prisons, he charged. 'This is just a small group and they're not even kings in their own kingdom,' said Mr. Martel. 'They don't have a clue. They are way out to lunch.' |
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