KAWARTHA LAKES-Correctional Officers at the Central East Correctional Centre in Lindsay walked off the job on Tuesday in a Health and Safety work refusal.
Staff say it is to protest “violence and assaults” at the facility.“It is a lot, it’s been increasing every year” Chris Butsch, Local 368 Union President told Kawartha 411 in January. “Its hard for people to deal with even on the inside, even though we are accustomed to all these things, threats and assaults, it’s becoming so rampant that how do you defend yourself?”
An investigative report by Kawartha 411 found there were almost 900 violent incidents at the jail in 2017. Read more here- https://www.kawartha411.ca/2018/01/31/almost-900-charges-laid-at-the-lindsay-jail-in-2017/
“It’s disheartening. People are getting hurt inside, there are no supports in place.” Butsch says. “The segregation measures the government put in place are making it worse.” In October the Ontario government announced it was cutting in half the number of consecutive days inmates can spend in segregation — from 30 to 15.
The Province announced today it was tabling new legislation that would set rules around, and clearly define, segregation and phase in time limits and prohibitions on segregation for vulnerable inmates, including pregnant inmates and those with a significant mental illness according to the Ministry. Officials say it would also improve conditions of confinement by requiring minimum standards for living conditions that would apply to all adults in custody.
“This proposed legislation is the foundation for the boldest transformation of our corrections system in a generation. The result will be better support for those in our custody and care, and greater outcomes for those under our supervision. Our dedicated correctional staff, and partners have played a crucial role in advocating for change and making this transformation a reality. We will continue to work together as we implement our plan.” said Marie-France Lalonde, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services
Management ordered staff back to work a short time later. “Even during a work refusal management at CECC demonstrate their blatant disregard for staff health and safety.” said the Union representing employees at the jail.”
The facility was on lockdown and inmates were not available for video court appearances. As of 5:30 some staff were still off the job.
There are currently 25 provincially run adult correctional facilities in Ontario. The average number of adults in custody across the province in 2017 was 7,584.
