Phoenix Fiasco - Correctional Officers Meet With the Minister Responsible for Phoenix, Carla Qualtrough

OTTAWA, March 22, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - This morning, the Union of Canadian Correctional Officers (UCCO-SACC-CSN) met with Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, about the Phoenix pay system fiasco. After seeing the measures included in the most recent federal budget, UCCO-SACC-CSN wanted to ensure that the $431 million being allocated in addition to the $500 million already consumed by the pay system will once and for all resolve the problems that tens of thousands of federal public service employees, many of which are correctional officers, are currently facing. 

With non-standard working hours and pay issues specific to the job, correctional officers were and are still greatly affected by issues with the current pay system. "Since Phoenix has been implemented, we have been among those most affected by the flaws of the system," said Jason Godin, President of the Union of Canadian Correctional Officers. "Given the large amount of funds available today, we came to reiterate our demands to Minister Qualtrough."

UCCO-SACC-CSN's demands are focused on adding resources dedicated to Correctional Service Canada (CSC). "We repeat once again that our members should be able to explain their issues verbally to trained public servants, so that such issues can be resolved," said Mr. Godin. As there are often multiple issues associated with each case, the union also requests that all pay-related aspects be handled by the same person. "For correctional officers struggling with pay issues, the stress is overwhelming," added Mr. Godin. "Those experiencing system errors should be able to explain all of their issues and fix what needs to be fixed in one phone call."

UCCO-SACC-CSN also reminded Minister Qualtrough that many correctional officers have suffered damages due to pay issues and that, as a result, they should be compensated. "Some of our members had to make arrangements with their financial institutions with regard to mortgages or various personal loans," said Mr. Godin. "The government should propose a damages agreement. It would not erase the anxiety that these members have experienced every pay day for the past two years, but it will help correct some injustices."

About the union

The Union of Canadian Correctional Officers (UCCO-SACC-CSN) represents more than 7400 members, across Canada's five major regions: Pacific, Prairies, Ontario, Québec and Atlantic. UCCO-SACC-CSN represents Correctional Officers in 49 federal institutions.

SOURCE CSN