Earlier this year, UCCO-SACC-CSN informed members of the federal government’s planned expenditure reductions and of CSC’s initial proposals to achieve approximately $132.2 million in savings by 2028–2029. Since then, the employer has expanded its Workforce Adjustment (WFA) plans to include CX Training Officer positions (CX-03) and Detector Dog Handlers (DDH). CSC has now advised the union that approximately 105 Correctional Officers will receive Workforce Adjustment notifications, including approximately 35 CX-03s and 70 Detector Dog Handlers. The employer has indicated that these changes are targeted for implementation on April 1, 2027. The employer had initially told us that it would only consider using Workforce Adjustment of these two groups of employees as a last resort and with due consultation.
No Consultation
Despite months of discussions regarding budget reductions and organizational changes, this was the first time UCCO-SACC-CSN was informed regarding these specific reductions affecting CX-03s and DDH. In January, CSC informed us that the Detector Dog Handler (DDH) program would be restructured into a regional model. The union remains concerned that significant operational decisions continue to be developed before meaningful engagement with the union representing front-line employees. Equally concerning is the fact that these proposals have not been discussed through the National, Regional, or Local Occupational Health and Safety Committee structures, despite the clear safety implications associated with reducing or restructuring positions that directly support institutional security.
Critical Public Safety Roles
Both CX-03s and Detector Dog Handlers perform critical functions that contribute directly to the safety and security of Canada’s correctional institutions. CX-03s play an essential role in training, operational support, and the development of safe and effective correctional practices. Their expertise helps ensure that front-line officers are properly prepared to respond to increasingly complex operational challenges. Detector Dog Handlers remain one of CSC’s most effective tools in the fight against contraband. CSC boasts of dog handler involvement in its drug strategy in each of its news releases concerning contraband interception. Their work helps disrupt the flow of drugs, weapons, cell phones, and other prohibited items into institutions while supporting safer working conditions for staff and safer environments for all persons inside federal correctional facilities. Any reduction or restructuring of these positions must be carefully examined through the lens of institutional safety, employee safety, and public safety, realities that CSC and this government appear ready to sacrifice for numbers on a balance sheet.
UCCO-SACC-CSN Continues to Push Back Against Cuts
UCCO-SACC-CSN has made it clear that changes affecting front-line operations cannot be viewed solely as administrative exercises or efficiency measures. Every dollar cut from public safety impacts our daily routine. The Liberal government may call this an efficiency measure, but we know what it really is: a reduction in the government’s commitment to keeping our institutions safe. Every position cut or restructured has the potential to impact institutional operations, staff safety, and the effectiveness of security measures relied upon by our members each day. UCCO-SACC-CSN continues to seek answers, challenge assumptions, and demand meaningful consultation regarding CSC’s unilateral decisions. We remain committed to keeping members informed as additional information becomes available and as discussions with the employer continue.
In Solidarity,
UCCO-SACC-CSN National Executive
