A move by Queens Park to close the jails in Owen Sound and Walkerton could have a big impact on the local economy of both communities.
And OPSEU plans to fight the closures with a new campaign.
There is a already a facebook group with hundreds of members opposing the Liberals plan.
Union spokesperson Paul Johnstone says there are about 50 workers at the two jails, and it would mean a loss of about three million dollars in wages to each centre.
In the Ontario budget, Finance Minister Dwight Duncan called for the closure of “under-utilized” prisons at Owen Sound, Walkerton and Sarnia.
That came as a surprise to Johnstone and the jail staff in Owen Sound.
He says when he started working at the jail 20 years ago they had 25 inmates and now, they often have 45 to 50 people at a time especially on weekend.
Johnstone says many times, the inmates have to sleep on the floor because there are not enough beds.
OPSEU is holding it’s annual meeting next week from April 6th to the 9th in Toronto, just down the street from the Ontario legislature.
Johnstone predicts a big rally sometime during the convention, although it hasn’t been organized just yet.
Johnstone adds if Owen Sound and Walkerton jails are closed, inmates will likely go to the super jail at Penetanguishene.
That will mean more in policing costs as they are transport to and from the prison.
Bruce Grey Owen Sound MPP Bill Murdoch says a Conservative government would not close jails without public consultation first.
