WHEREAS CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS HAVE A DANGEROUS WORKPLACE THAT IS DIFFERENT FROM THAT OF OTHER FEDERAL PUBLIC SERVANTS;
1. Hazard Pay
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Federal Correctional Officers have been working the front lines and exposed to COVID-19 as a condition of their job. Correctional Officers did not have the option of working from home. This had a profoundly negative effect on their professional, personal and family lives. Furthermore, nearly 500 Correctional Officers contracted COVID-19 since the beginning of the first wave, representing nearly 10% of our membership. The Federal government provided pandemic pay to provincial front-line workers during the pandemic but neglected its own Federal front-line workers. Will your party support and advocate for a hazard pay for Federal Correctional Officers that worked during the pandemic?
2. Labour Unions
What is your party’s stance on labour unions in the Federal Public Service?
3. Correctional Officer’s Pension
Federal Correctional Officers perform one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. The current pension system for officers is archaic and needs review. An accrual rate of 2.33% was introduced in the 2005 budget for various groups including Correctional Officers. However, the Federal government has failed to negotiate changes to the pension plan based on this legislation. Will your party support the Federal Correctional Officers’ Union in negotiating the current pension plan to reflect this important change that recognizes the dangerous work we perform?
4. Blood Samples Act (Question sent to Liberal Party of Canada and New Democratic Party)
Considering your party’s stance on mandatory vaccinations and privacy of medical information, will your party now agree to adopt the legislation that was introduced in the 41st Parliament that grants the right to Correctional Officers to request a blood sample when the officer is attacked with or exposed to an inmate’s bodily fluids?
4. Blood Samples Act (Question sent to Conservative Party and Bloc Québécois)
Will your party agree to adopt the legislation that was introduced in the 41st Parliament that grants the right to Correctional Officers to request a blood sample when the officers attacked with or exposed to an inmate’s bodily fluids?
5. Body Scanners and Drone detection
With advancements in modern technology, transgender rights within the correctional system, and the inability to stop illegal drugs and contraband from being introduced into the institutions by way of drones, the passing of bill C-83 introduced body scanners without funding. In today’s changing world the drone detection technology and body scanners are essential pieces of equipment for Federal Correctional Officers to ensure public safety. Will your party both support and fund the Correctional Service of Canada and all Federal Institutions with drone detection and body scanners?