Frontline rehabilitative staff must help shape protocols if early releases from federal penitentiaries is to happen safely. The Union of Safety and Justice Employees (USJE) is insisting that its key representatives have significant and ongoing input into any protocols if offenders are to be released safely. This follows the appeal by The Hon. Bill Blair, … Read more
Can I refuse to work due to COVID-19? Yes. If you reasonably believe that your health and safety are in danger, and that the work you are being asked to do is unsafe based on COVID-19, you have the right to refuse as long as: 1. The dangers or hazards which you believe make the … Read more
This week CSC Commissioner Kelly released the following two key documents pertaining to the safety of CSC employees and COVID19: Memo – Active Screening Covid-19 Checklist
The Government of Canada has implemented temporary changes to the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP). These new measures are designed to help plan members and their eligible dependents access healthcare benefits while minimizing their social interaction with healthcare professionals as well as supporting the social distancing directive. These measures include: Relaxing the dispensing limit … Read more
Alexie André Belisle for Radio CanadaPublished on March 26, 2020, at 2:01 PM A correctional officer at the Port-Cartier Penitentiary is one of three North Shore residents to have contracted COVID-19. The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) indicated that the employee in question is now in isolation at home and that measures have been taken … Read more
In keeping with recommendations from both local and national health authorities regarding COVID-19, PSAC has made the difficult decision to suspend the remaining four PSAC Regional Conventions. All seven PSAC Regional Conventions are now postponed: · National Capital Region (April 17-19, 2020) · Quebec Region (April 24-26, 2020) · British Columbia Region (May 1-3, 2020) … Read more
Last week PSAC asked the government for clarification on the use of the term “critical services” and how it relates to exceptions to telework. In response the government re-issued directives to department heads today that included this clarification: “Managers are to consider on-site work only if the work meets the definition of critical service and working remotely … Read more
As you know, presently, we are in an exceptional situation that has been declared a public health emergency. It is important that we support our fellow employees and ultimately Canadians. We must remember that it is the employer’s right to assign duties. If directed to perform duties outside of your own job description, members must … Read more
The Union of Safety and Justice Employees has been actively working with the Correctional Service of Canada to ensure that every employee can be accommodated safely during this period of the Covid-19 pandemic. This includes all aspects of Correctional operations, including community parole, and Corcan facilities. Unfortunately, there have been some challenges in ensuring protocols … Read more
Dear colleagues, As we know, we continue to operate in a rapidly changing environment. I am writing to share new information and remind you of how you can help us operate and support each other in these challenging circumstances. What has changed Working from home: New direction on working from home was received from Treasury … Read more