Hundreds of Canadian correctional officers held demonstrations nationwide on Oct. 23 to protest what they describe as insufficient progress in ongoing contract negotiations with Correctional Services Canada (CSC). The coordinated rallies, organized by the Union of Canadian Correctional Officers (UCCO-SACC-CSN), took place outside CSC regional headquarters from Abbotsford, B.C., to Moncton, N.B.
Union leaders argue that CSC has failed to recognize the unique challenges faced by federal correctional officers. Jeffrey Wilkins, national president of UCCO-SACC-CSN, criticized the employer for treating correctional officers like other public sector employees, despite the inherently dangerous nature of their work.
“We work behind walls. We work with some of Canada’s most dangerous individuals. We must work to maintain the peace, rehabilitate, and protect inmates, as well as provide protection to the public,” said Wilkins, noting that correctional officers face daily risks in federal penitentiaries.
The union expressed frustration with CSC’s current offer, which includes a 12.5% wage increase over four years but lacks a danger allowance and COVID-19 hazard pay. In addition, the proposal would restructure officers’ work schedules, potentially requiring more days on the job each year.
“This is precisely why we continue to call on our members to show our collective strength and support for the bargaining committee,” Wilkins said. “We will continue to escalate the pressure on our employer until we have a contract that is fair and representative of our unique reality.”
UCCO-SACC-CSN represents more than 7,500 federal correctional officers across Canada.