On November 7, RVP Carol Osborne and Local President Michelle Martin visited the Truro Parole Office for the Annual Local Visit of Local 80073, which covers all of Nova Scotia. RVP Osborne and President Martin listened to the members who raised concerns about being short staffed within the Parole Officer positions.
During the visit, it was highlighted that the current caseloads and stipulated frequency of contact (FOC) protocols are certainly not manageable when the office is not fully staffed with a sufficient complement. This is something that the Local is addressing with management.
Similar to many federal Parole offices and other USJE work sites, there is apprehension about the federal budget t and the potential negative impacts this may have on the frontline. It is important that the federal government focus on public safety and ensuring that public safety departments and agencies are resourced properly. If the resources are not there, the reality is that it will impact risk management and the safety of the public and our members.
Another issue that was discussed during the visit is that CSC needs to do a better job of equipping all members in their respective positions, whether it be Parole Officers, Administrative Support Assistant, etc. Appropriate and ongoing training supports USJE’s members to do their best work. The fact that key components of the Parole Officer Induction Training (POIT) are now completed on-line as well as a portion of the Parole Officer Continuous Development (POCD) Training can be challenging as there is not the same degree of face-to-face contact.
Members expressed their concerns with compromising important aspects of learning, which can only be done in person. When much of the training is online, POs from the Community and Institutions do not have the same opportunity to get to know one another and develop a better understanding of who is doing what position and the specific role they play.
RVP Osborne gave an overview of the grievance process and the various levels within USJE/PSAC. She explained the difference between the PSAC and USJE and how members should keep up to date with both union websites. This is also where members can find their respective Collective Agreements. She advised members attending the visit that USJE represents 18 different Departments under the Public Safety portfolio.
RVP Osborne and President Martin explained that there are other recourses outside of the grievance process such as the Workplace Violence and Harassment Complaints and Staffing Complaints. It is felt that when staffing positions, sometimes the “best fit” is not utilized properly by the employer.
Members were thanked for their time and candor during the visit.