Coast Guard Consolidation

May 17, 2012 at 4:46 pm

A merger of Canadian Coast Guard regions will result in job loss at Sarnia’s Northgate Plaza office but there will still be a presence there.  Blackburn News has learned the Central & Arctic Region will be consolidated with Quebec and will be headquartered in Montreal.  In all 6 regions across the country are being consolidated into 3 over three years.  Sarnia-Lambton MP Pat Davidson is still asking questions trying to assess the local impact but she concedes there will be lost jobs.

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CAW Local 21-82 Regional Director Peter Fraser says the local move could be complete by April 1st of next year.

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Fraser says the federal cut backs also include the elimination of 10 of 22 communication centres across the country.  The Sarnia office on Front Street is not included.

Bailey Expresses Jail Concerns

May 17, 2012 at 2:37 pm

Sarnia-Lambton’s MPP is demanding the province address overcrowding and under-staffing at Sarnia Jail.  Speaking in the Ontario Legislature this afternoon Bob Bailey said important security roles are being left unfilled.

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OPSEU claims Sarnia Jail, at times, is operating at 145% capacity while five guards have been let go.  They’re scheduled to have their appeals heard by a Grievance Settlement Board late next month.

Community Living Tentative Contract

May 17, 2012 at 2:18 pm

Community Living Sarnia Lambton and 160 workers represented by CUPE have reached a tentative contract agreement.  Local 43-70 President Brian Biggers says the deal came after marathon mediation spanning two days.

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Ratification will take place in two sessions at the Best Western Guildwood Inn Wednesday at 11am and 4:30pm.  Details are being withheld pending ratification but if approved the new deal will expire in 2014.  The previous contract expired the end of March 2011.

Huron House Deal

May 17, 2012 at 2:05 pm

Recruitment Efforts Continue

May 17, 2012 at 1:59 pm