A Sarnia correctional officer and president of OPSEU Local 128 is highlighting the need for more mental health support, citing an increase in workplace violence over the past decade.
Joel Bissonnette said that while the bargaining process for their corrections division was put on hold due to the provincial election, one of their demands has been to improve their mental health benefits.
“It’s remained a key priority for the correctional bargaining unit because we’ve seen a significant increase in mental health injuries,” he said. “In the corrections environment, we are kind of out of sight in the community. There are a lot of people who don’t really know what goes on in there. Over the last 10 years, we’ve seen a huge increase in workplace violence incidents.”
Since October 2021, Bissonnette said the correctional bargaining unit has lost 11 members to suicide provincewide.
“That’s a scary number,” he said. “What we’re advocating for is zero cost mental health support for staff that need to go talk to someone so that they can seek therapy or any help in that way, before they hit a point where they’re contemplating stuff like that.”
Bissonnette said in 2023, 14 inmate-on-inmate assaults were reported every day, along with five incidents of workplace violence directed at correctional staff (including threats), and more than two correctional workers assaulted.
A pamphlet provided by Bissonnette also said members are exposed to “graphic details of heinous criminal acts by virtue of their role.”
“To effectively supervise and offer rehabilitative services to the offender population our members need supports to deal with this psychological trauma,” read the pamphlet.
Local 128 recently organized a Corrections Cares fundraiser to support Boots on the Ground, an anonymous peer support organization for first responders.
“This year in particular, we focused on the mental health side just to align with our message during bargaining, which is we need more support for mental health,” he said.
The event held at Valley Axe on February 11 raised over $1,300 for Boots on the Ground. Bissonnette said the event went over well and included a mix of corrections staff, constable staff, OPP, firefighters, and court security.
The union will typically host fundraising barbecues and other events to support local charities and organizations, including Ohana Landing and the Sarnia and District Humane Society.
Boots on the Ground services are available 24/7 for first responders who are struggling. The organization can be reached at 1-833-677-BOOT (2668).
Meanwhile, it’s unknown when bargaining talks will resume. Bissonnette said their contract expired on December 31, 2024.
The Correctional Bargaining Unit is comprised of roughly 9,000 members. Bissonnette said Local 128 represents around 100 members.
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