The Public Service Labour Relations Board has ruled that federal Correctional Officers have the legal right to wear hats and pins that signify their membership in the National Association of Federal Correctional Officers.
In a decision issued Monday June 6, 2005, the board concluded, “that the wearing of NAFCO baseball caps and pins is a legitimate lawful activity of a duly authorized employee organization and in no way jeopardizes the safety of inmates, staff and correctional officers in their respective institutions.” “This changes everything,” said NAFCO Steering Committee member Nelson Hunter. “The whole issue of legitimacy for NAFCO has been changed forever because the board now recognizes NAFCO as an employee organization and recognizes the right of its members and supporters to wear NAFCO hats and pins.”
Hunter contends that the decision backs up NAFCO’s policy of dealing with the employer in a professional manner. “We’ve proven that when you take the concerns of your members seriously and present them in a mature manner, you can win and make the employer listen.” NAFCO filed a complaint with the Board on August 4, 2004 stating, being prohibited from wearing NAFCO baseball caps and pins at the workplace was discriminating against its members.
“We now have recognition from the employer, we have proven that our methods produce results and we’re a symbol of action for those Correctional Officers who are disillusioned over UCCO’s failure to deliver a new collective agreement after three long years.”
“This is an example of how we represent our members. Just think what NAFCO can accomplish when we become the official bargaining of Federal Correctional Officers.”
