Correctional officers across Canada could see a 15.73 per cent salary increase over four years under two new tentative agreements between the Union of Canadian Correctional Officers (UCCO-SACC-CSN), the Treasury Board and Correctional Service Canada. Union leaders say the total monetary package, which includes salary boosts and allowances, could amount to about 23 per cent overall for officers working in institutions.
Under the tentative deal, members would also receive a new $6,365 yearly pensionable allowance starting June 1, 2025, plus a prorated $6,240 allowance on the date of signing, the union said. An annual $1,000 pensionable allowance was negotiated for staff trainers, and members would get a one-time $2,500 pensionable allowance upon signing.
“While this tentative agreement puts some significant financial gains on the table, it is important to underline that we have made other gains that will improve the working conditions of our members,” said Jeffrey Wilkins, National President of UCCO-SACC-CSN. He said these include improved bereavement leave and leave for domestic violence situations. The union also negotiated increases for clothing and responsibility allowances, as well as higher shift and weekend premiums.
UCCO-SACC-CSN represents more than 7,500 correctional officers across the country. Wilkins said the bargaining process took more than two years. The union plans to hold a series of general assemblies beginning Jan. 2, 2025, where members will review the agreements and cast their votes. The two agreements are posted on the union’s website.
“It is now up to our members to read thoroughly the tentative agreements and vote on it in their respective assemblies,” said Wilkins. “This is the democratic process by which our union operates to ensure that each one of our members gets a chance to speak their mind and vote on the tentative agreement.”