More than 100 federal correctional officers and their families protested near the home of Parry Sound-Muskoka MP and Treasury Board president Tony Clement.
At issue, a move by the federal government to eliminate a bank of 200 sick leave hours as part of contract talks.
The union representing federal correctional officers argue it’s a crucial contract element negotiated specifically for correctional officers who face high rates of injury and illness in their dangerous occupations.
"The real impact will be on correctional officers and their families, on people who could be forced to work while injured, sick or suffering post-traumatic stress," Kevin Grabowsky, National President of the Union of Canadian Correctional Officers.
Tony Clement told CTV News the current sick leave system encourages absenteeism and isn’t fair to taxpayers. Clement also said the federal workers should be reassured that they will still have appropriate sick leave programs.
