Some recent changes to the Corrections Branch "Standards of Conduct" manual for correctional staff are too broad and should be dropped or changed, according to the BCGEU.

The union has identified three main areas of the employer's document that are of concern.

The first concern is that the provisions regarding the conflicts of interest with clients and former clients is too broad. As it is written now, members can be disciplined because they are associating with someone in the "criminal lifestyle"-even though the member would have no way of knowing that. For example, a member could attend a public event such as a school function or a religious event and would have no control or knowledge as to whether other persons in attendance might fit within the employer's definition of a criminal lifestyle.

Secondly, the Standard of Conduct's wording regarding affidavits provided by members in the course of union business leaves the impression that the Conduct manual would be violated if members provided affidavits or other documents to the union during arbitrations or other similar hearings.

The union has also identified other wording (such as a relationship "which compromises objectivity or the perception of objectivity") that is vague, unclear and could be interpreted widely.

The union has informed its members that they do not have to sign the Standard of Conduct. The union has also advised the employer that its members should not be disciplined for refusing to sign. The employer has agreed with the union and members should know that no discipline will be recorded if they do not sign the code.

Although there have been cases where members have been pressured to sign, it is clear that if members don't want to sign the document, they shouldn't. Members should file a grievance if they are challenged on this or any part of the document.

The union has put the Corrections Branch on notice in writing that the changes in the Standard of Conduct are unacceptable and will closely monitor and challenge any misuse of the policy to discipline members.

"We wish to be clear that the union is not consenting to any of the changes in the Standards of Conduct and have not agreed to this at any level," says the letter to the branch. The union is looking into other legal options on how to deal with the changes.

Members of the component should check the union's web site (www.bcgeu.ca) for regular updates on this issue.

Letter to Corrections Branch re. Standard of Conduct