November 1, 1999
(Justice)

Minister comments on illegal walkout

Justice Minister Paul Dicks said today that the Department of Justice is seeking an injunction against correctional workers who took illegal job action by walking off the job today.

"I want to assure the public, first and foremost, that a contingency plan for each institution has been activated and that issues of safety and security have been addressed," said Minister Dicks. "Management personnel, supported by the RCMP and RNC, have assumed control of the various facilities.

"It is unfortunate that correctional officers have chosen to take this illegal action. There is an appropriate process in place for settling disputes such as these, and to chose a wildcat walkout over that process will not hasten a resolution," said the minister.

The minister noted that it is his understanding that this job action was taken in response to the temporary eight week appointment of a classification officer at the Labrador Correctional Centre to fill a sick leave vacancy. It is well within the terms of the collective agreement to fill a temporary vacancy without a job competition if that temporary vacancy does not exceed 13 weeks.

The department is willing to meet with the union to try to resolve this issue once correctional officers have returned to their jobs.

Media contact: Paula Dyke, Communications, (709) 729-0329.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Minister Dicks will be available to the media at 2:30 p.m. in the Media Centre, Main Floor, East Block, Confederation Building.

1999 11 01 12:30 p.m.