Hundreds of federal correctional officers rallied in front of the Treasury Board’s offices Tuesday, calling for higher wages, improved working conditions, and recognition of the challenges inherent in their jobs.
The demonstration, organized by the Union of Canadian Correctional Officers (UCCO-SACC-CSN), comes after nearly three years of protracted negotiations with the federal government. The union says the current offer of a 12.5 per cent wage increase over four years fails to address the unique risks and responsibilities correctional officers face daily.
“Today we stand united — not just as correctional officers, but as the backbone of Canada’s correctional system,” said Jeffrey Wilkins, national president of UCCO-SACC-CSN. “Each day, we step into one of the most challenging and critical roles in this country, managing risk, maintaining safety, and doing the work most others cannot even imagine.”
The union is also pushing for a danger allowance and retroactive hazard pay for work performed during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Wilkins, the employer has not adequately addressed these demands or a proposed scheduling restructure that would require officers to work more days each year.
Wilkins said the rally was not only a fight for better compensation but also for the long-term future of the profession. “We are taking a stand today not just for ourselves but for the future of our profession, for those who will follow in our footsteps, and for the correctional system we all believe in,” he said.
