News release

Correctional Officers Strike Action Would Be Illegal

Justice

Any strike action by Nova Scotia's correctional officers would be illegal, Justice Minister Jim Smith said today.

Mr. Smith explained that the Corrections Act stipulates that conciliation or arbitration are the remaining steps in the collective bargaining process, should negotiations between the province and the officers' union fail to reach agreement.

Dr. Smith said the province's negotiators are ready to go to conciliation or return to the bargaining table if the union wants to resume negotiations.

"We have been, and will continue to be completely reasonable. We want to reach a fair and equitable settlement," the minister said. "The officers must understand, any kind of strike action is against the law."

The latest offer made by the province was rejected by the union. The union has not made a counter offer.

The minister said the wage package offered to correctional officers would move their salaries in line with counterparts in several other Canadian jurisdictions.

The correctional officers have been demanding wage parity with workers in youth detention facilities. Fred Honsberger, executive director of correctional services said there are significant differences in both the qualifications and duties of workers in the two jobs.

"One is not harder than the other, they are simply different. It's like comparing doctors,engineers and lawyers."

Youth detention workers provide counselling services and a university degree is now a job prerequisite. Adult correctional officers provide safety, surveillance and security. A university degree is not required even though many officers have one and they have undergone specific training for their positions.

Dr. Smith said he remains hopeful an agreement will be reached soon with the correctional officers, either through negotiations or a conciliation process. If binding arbitration is required, that procedure would force an agreement, as prescribed by law, the minister said.

"The latest offer on the table from the province was fair and reasonable. However, if the union is not satisfied, the procedure is clearly laid out in the law. Any kind of strike action is against the law."