Every day another Correctional staff member gets assaulted. There were 855 reported assaults just last year. That does not include all of the unreported attacks or threats to life we faced. The number of inmates within our Institutions has almost tripled in a decade, yet our staffing levels have remained the same. The number of offenders on probation or parole in our communities has reached an all time high. Where case loads for our Probation and Parole Officers is growing to dangerous levels.

To be deemed an essential service the service you provide must prevent the following:

(a) danger to life, health or safety,

(b) the destruction or serious deterioration of machinery, equipment or premises,

(c) serious environmental damage, or

(d) disruption of the administration of the courts or of legislative drafting

As we can see, the members of the Correctional Services division fall under this statute. We are deemed essential. The problem is, that we are only deemed partially essential. Meaning when there is labour unrest the Government says only approximately 60% of our staff is needed. This leaves the staff on duty in greater danger to life, health and safety. Dealing with the high number of inmates with even less Officers. It leaves the public in greater danger of life, health and safety. With less Probation and Parole Officers to monitor those offenders in the public.

When you look at the definition you realize why Police, Fire, Paramedics and Federal Corrections carry this designation. The difference is those professions are 100% essential. Why then is the Correctional Officers and Probation and Parole Officers of Ontario not designated the same.

On January 30,2015 the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in the case of Saskatchewan Federation of Labour vs the Saskatchewan Government that the Right to Strike was a Constitutional Right. In this finding they stated that where a job was deemed essential there needed to be an alternate mechanism in place to resolve an impasse in Collective Bargaining. Those professions deemed 100% essential have binding arbitration. They do not have the Right to Strike due to the risks society would face if they weren't completing their duties.

We as the Ontario Correctional division feel we should have that same right. A right to go to work every day with the staff needed to complete our duties and maintain order. If you feel that Corrections division should be deemed 100% essential and use binding arbitration to resolve Labour unrest, instead of a strike or lock out, PLEASE sign this petition. It is what the members want, it is what the Province needs, and it is what everyone deserves to assure the safety of all.