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The prison guards are revolting Across Canada and Quebec, prison guards have been mired in labour disputes with both the federal and provincial governments. Both governments have dealt with their prison guards the same way prison guards deal with inmates: with an iron fist. Did they deserve it? The Mirror has put together a list of facts comparing the crises among prison staff. You decide. --Patrick Lejtenyi
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| Federal guards | Provincial guards | |
| Annual salary: | $29,300-$42,000 | $31,000 - $42,000 |
| Hours per shift: | 7.5 to 12 | 8 to 12 |
| Where they work: | Federal prisons (sentences of more than 2 years) |
Provincial prisons (sentences of less than 2 years) |
| Reasons for strike: | Wages frozen since 1991 | Staff reductions make work too dangerous |
| Strike action: | Staged rotating strikes over last 3 months | One-day walkout at RDP prison 2 weeks ago |
| What they demanded: | A 26% wage increase (parity with RCMP) | Reinstate number of guards on duty; increase prison security |
| What they got: | Forced back to work under a three-year legislated agreement containing a 2% wage increase in the third year | 32 fired, 79 awaiting decision on appropriate punishment |