beans_mom
03-25-2002, 02:46 AM
Wednesday, March 20, 2002
Pizza 'n' porn in jail: Union
Keep inmates 'happy'
By ANTONELLA ARTUSO, Toronto Sun
Provincial jail managers are mollifying inmates with porn, pizza and Swiss Chalet chicken to get them through a public servants strike, according to the union representing correctional officers.
Leah Casselman, president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, said inmates are also being allowed to smoke in violation of a no-smoking rule in the institutions.
"Corrections managers have used pornography to keep inmates happy," Casselman said yesterday. "This strike is going to be over at some point. And (correctional officers) are going to be faced with bringing those institutions under control."
After the first week of the strike, both the government and union remained firm that the other side must bring forward new concessions if negotiations are to resume.
Casselman confirmed that OPSEU members intend to picket polling stations for Saturday's Tory leadership race.
Asked about the pizza and porn allegations, Management Board Chairman David Tsubouchi said, "I don't believe that's the case."
However, he said that the government is taking whatever steps necessary to ensure public safety.
"It's not as safe as it could be," Tsubouchi said. "I think they're doing the best they can under very difficult situations. It's not ideal."
Tsubouchi said he's prepared to talk but it's up to union negotiators to make the call.
"The union walked away from the table, not us," he said.
Casselman said the last government offer was unacceptable. The government is offering annual raises of 1.95% over three years, while the union wants 5% a year.
Pizza 'n' porn in jail: Union
Keep inmates 'happy'
By ANTONELLA ARTUSO, Toronto Sun
Provincial jail managers are mollifying inmates with porn, pizza and Swiss Chalet chicken to get them through a public servants strike, according to the union representing correctional officers.
Leah Casselman, president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, said inmates are also being allowed to smoke in violation of a no-smoking rule in the institutions.
"Corrections managers have used pornography to keep inmates happy," Casselman said yesterday. "This strike is going to be over at some point. And (correctional officers) are going to be faced with bringing those institutions under control."
After the first week of the strike, both the government and union remained firm that the other side must bring forward new concessions if negotiations are to resume.
Casselman confirmed that OPSEU members intend to picket polling stations for Saturday's Tory leadership race.
Asked about the pizza and porn allegations, Management Board Chairman David Tsubouchi said, "I don't believe that's the case."
However, he said that the government is taking whatever steps necessary to ensure public safety.
"It's not as safe as it could be," Tsubouchi said. "I think they're doing the best they can under very difficult situations. It's not ideal."
Tsubouchi said he's prepared to talk but it's up to union negotiators to make the call.
"The union walked away from the table, not us," he said.
Casselman said the last government offer was unacceptable. The government is offering annual raises of 1.95% over three years, while the union wants 5% a year.