Nelson Sergerie, LJI

CHANDLER – On May 1, correctional officers from the New Carlisle and Percé detention centres held a demonstration in front of the Bonaventure Member of the National Assembly’s office in Chandler. 

The twenty or so officers who attempted to meet with MNA Catherine Blouin denounced the Quebec government’s proposed offer of 12.7%, while most other government employees received 17.4% over five years. 

“We want to make it clear to our CAQ (Coalition Avenir Québec) elected officials that the offers are not satisfactory given our working conditions. Our collective agreement expired in 2023. We are here to 
make it clear that the 12.7% offer is not sufficient given the increase in violence and the mandatory overtime that has become commonplace. Our conditions have deteriorated significantly in recent years, and we are asking for a raise that reflects the value of the work we do,” explains Noémie Boudreau, president of the New Carlisle Detention Centre officers’ union. 

The Quebec government considers that working conditions are too high to justify a lower raise than other public sector workers. 

“The employer has many requests for a reduction in our working conditions. They are willing to increase the salary offer only if we agree to a reduction in our conditions, which is unacceptable,” warns Ms. Boudreau. 

The union does not have the right to strike or to arbitrate. Agents must be imaginative to make themselves heard, like a commercial recently aired during Canadiens playoff games. “There are approximately three meetings per week at the bargaining table. Depending on the means we use to make ourselves heard, it can move quickly or take time, but we will not neglect our efforts to reach a satisfactory settlement,” emphasizes the president. 

The union would like to conclude a new collective agreement before the summer season.