TORONTO - The Government of Ontario ratified a tentative agreement yesterday with its Correctional Bargaining Unit. The contract will give workers a base pay increase of 7.75 per cent over four years.

The 5,500 workers, represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), voted overwhelmingly to ratify the agreement on March 7, 2009. The Ministry has already negotiated agreements with the Provincial School Authority Teachers, Ontario Provincial Police Association as well as with OPSEU's main bargaining unit representing about 38,000 Ontario Public Service employees.

Negotiators for the Ministry of Government Services will return to the bargaining table on March 17 to begin talks with the Association of Management, Administrative and Professional Crown Employees of Ontario (AMAPCEO), a bargaining agent representing over 9,800 professional and supervisory public servants.

"The ongoing labour peace in the province is a credit to all parties working collectively to serve the people of Ontario. This latest agreement enables us to carry forward with our commitment to lead Ontarians through this challenging economic period," said Ted McMeekin, Minister of Government Services.

- The contract gives workers base salary increases of 1.75 per cent in the first year, and two per cent in each of the three following years.

- The contract is expected to result in a reduction of the costs associated with absenteeism.

- The Correctional Bargaining Unit represents 5,500 employees working in provincial jails, correctional facilities, youth centres and probation and parole offices.