Union representatives from Sheriff Services and Adult Custody met yesterday with officials from the Attorney General's ministry and the ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General to formally present our concerns over recruitment and retention issues for Deputy Sheriffs and Corrections Officers.

This latest meeting follows previous meetings and submissions to bargaining principles and the respective ministry officials.

The component is requesting a Temporary Market Adjustment and monetary benefits that would increase our compensation to a comparable level with similar classifications in other jurisdictions.

The position of both ministers is that Deputy Sheriffs and Corrections Officers will receive an additional one grid pay increase (3.3%) on April 1, as a market adjustment as negotiated in the 2006-2010 collective agreement. The employer has no information that any additional compensation will be provided for in the 2007-2008 budget.

The Attorney General's ministry has agreed to work with the union and identify possible solutions for Deputy Sheriffs in time for next year's budget submissions.

The Adult Custody division has acknowledged our request and will provide a response by mid-February.

The component executive will meet on February 22 and 23 to explore any and all available options that will meet the legitimate needs and concerns of our members.

In solidarity,

Dean Purdy, Chair, Component 1
Stephen Lisik, 1st Vice , Component 1
Wiho Papenbrock, Staff Coordinator