National

Federal prison chaplains escalate fight for collective agreement

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 11 Jun, 2020 06:41 PM

Federal prison chaplains are stepping up a bid to negotiate their first collective agreement to secure better wages and working conditions.

The chaplains, who provide spiritual care to federal inmates across Canada, are applying to the government for conciliation to help reach an agreement.

The United Steelworkers union represents about 180 chaplains representing a variety of faiths and spiritual practices following a 2019 decision to unionize.

Negotiations for a deal began in February but chaplaincy services have since been curtailed due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19 in federal prisons.

As a result, chaplains have been forced to turn to government-assistance programs for income support.

The union says chaplains have not seen improvements to wages and working conditions since at least 2016.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Loophole in relief funds could be exploited by scammers: NDP MP

A loophole in the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit that doesn't prohibit people charging fees to help others get relief funds needs to be closed to prevent scams, an NDP MP says.

Loophole in relief funds could be exploited by scammers: NDP MP

Trudeau promises $75M more for off-reserve Indigenous services in pandemic

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government is sending $75 million to organizations that help Indigenous people living in urban areas and off reserves through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trudeau promises $75M more for off-reserve Indigenous services in pandemic

Cross-border business interests call for joint Canada, U.S. post-COVID effort

A prominent cross-border lobby group wants Canada and the United States to join forces for an integrated North American approach to the new post-pandemic global economy.

Cross-border business interests call for joint Canada, U.S. post-COVID effort

COVID-19 economic slowdown has cut air pollution in Canadian cities

Environment Canada research scientists say the COVID-19-induced economic slowdown is leading to cleaner air in many Canadian cities.

COVID-19 economic slowdown has cut air pollution in Canadian cities

Trudeau says citizens should wear masks to stave off second COVID-19 wave

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says individual actions will be key to controlling an expected second wave of COVID-19, and he is repeating a call for people to wear masks in public.

Trudeau says citizens should wear masks to stave off second COVID-19 wave

Trudeau asks commercial landlords to give tenants help through new program

Canada's commercial landlords got a request and a warning from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to buy into rental assistance program launching next week, as part of a handful of moves in one day to get billions in federal aid to companies large and small.