Penetanguishene correctional officers not looking to ditch OPSEU

The province-wide movement by correctional officers to leave the Ontario Public Service Employees’ Union (OPSEU) and create their own autonomous union isn’t garnering much backing from employees at the Central North Correctional Centre in Penetanguishene.

“There is some minimal support locally,” said Richard Dionne, president of OPSEU Local 369, which represents staff at CNCC. “However, it is not supported by the OPSEU Local 369 executive.”

Thousands of corrections workers across the province are reportedly fed up with OPSEU. They have enlisted the assistance of the Confederation of National Trade Unions and are trying to create the Ontario Association of Correctional Employees (OACE). This new organization is aiming to establish a corrections-only association that will advocate and fight for the specific needs of Ontario’s correctional employees.

“Those pushing for the change in unions believe they have been misrepresented or under-represented by OPSEU,” said Dionne.

OACE has until Dec. 30 to raid members from OPSEU. In order to be recognized as a bargaining agent by the Ministry of Labour, the new union would need at least 40 per cent of OPSEU’s correctional membership.