Public-Private Parity

Whenever there's a privatization movement afoot, much of the claim in favour focuses on how it's supposed to involve less expense - particularly when public-sector workers are replaced by private-sector ones with less effective unions. That has its downside too, when the less desirable job conditions lead to concurrently weaker workers.

The OPSEU is managing to avoid the expected results:

Correctional officers employed at Canada's only private adult jail have rejected the employer's final offer for a new collective agreement. Members of the Ontario Public Service employees Union Local 369 voted 95 per cent to reject the offer. Over 88 per cent of the employees turned out for the vote, held July 21...

Currently, workers at the facility run by Utah-based Management and Training Corporation earn two per cent less per hour than their public sector counterparts and receive fewer benefits and less time off. Sean Wilson, chair of the union bargaining team, says his members are united in this fight.

"The status quo is unacceptable," Wilson said. "We want the same as public sector correctional officers - period."

An excellent move by the union members to avoid a race-to-the-bottom situation - the province will surely make the same demand in the opposite direction (under penalty of further privatization) if the workers accept less now. And it's impressive to see such high numbers of members involved given the supposed malaise surrounding the union movement.

The ball is back in Superjail's court now. Stay tuned...