Sixty BCGEU Component 1 executive and shop steward delegates from around the province in Adult Corrections, Youth Corrections  and Sheriff Services met April 6 and 7 in Victoria to discuss a number of key issues and hear from guest speakers on a number of matters.

The conference highlighted issues such as:

• Overcrowding and double bunking, which has led to an increase in assaults on Correctional Officers in the nine adult provincial prisons, and
• Sheriff’s shortages, safety issues in Court Houses, and the underutilization of sheriffs in areas such as traffic and warrant apprehension, and
• Incidents of violence and labour relations issues in all three Youth Correctional Centres.

“I was very pleased with the informative discussion and information gained from the speakers,” said Dean Purdy, chair of the Corrections and Sheriffs Services Component of the BCGEU. “This was a chance for our union activists to come together to discuss issues, exchange ideas and strengthen our Component as we head into bargaining next year."

Delegates also discussed wages and how both B.C. correctional officers and sheriffs have slipped down the wage scale when compared nationally.

"The wage gap is something the government must address at the next round of bargaining in 2012," says Purdy.

Delegates heard about similar issues in federal jails from keynote speaker Howard Sapers, the Correctional Investigator of Canada.

National Union of Public and General Employees president James Clancy, gave a national perspective on issues facing unions across the country.

MLAs Kathy Corrigan and Leonard Krog also spoke to delegates about provincial issues.

WorkSafeBC representative David Clarabut, spoke on occupational health and safety issues.

BCGEU president Darryl Walker wrapped up the conference.