April 12, 1996
(Justice)

Court injunction granted against striking workers at Her Majesty's Penitentiary

President of Treasury Board, and acting Minister of Justice, Paul Dicks today advised that as a result of an illegal strike at Her Majesty's Penitentiary, the court granted an injunction against the striking workers.

Correctional officers at Her Majesty's Penitentiary and St. John's Lockup walked off the job this morning in protest of the use of a management employee to replace another management employee who is off work on approved sick leave. Correctional officers at the remaining correctional institutions across the province also walked off the job in protest this afternoon.

"There are dispute resolution procedures provided for in the collective agreement," said the minister. "The workers at the correctional institutions are striking illegally. The court injunction orders the workers from Her Majesty's Penitentiary and the St. John's Lock-Up back to work and prohibits them from picketing."

"All institutions are being adequately manned by management and the police." added Mr. Dicks. "The public should be assured of their continuing safety."

Contact: Susan Laite, Assistant Director of Public Relations, 729- 0110.