News Flash

On 11 July 2006, the PSA wrote to DCS management advising of a dispute relating to modified regimes/budget restraints with emphasis on the safety of our members.

Despite management being well aware of PSA concerns, they attempted to operate the Institution without a full complement of staff. The PSA found this action bewildering considering the matter was in dispute for a period of over six weeks.

As a result of member action, PSA met with management late on Monday and early Tuesday to achieve a resolution that enabled the protection of our members' safety.

At Tuesday's meeting, management assured staff and PSA representatives that proper staffing levels would be put in place to allow prisoners out of their cells without compromising the safety of staff, prisoners and the South Australian community.

Statements to the media from both DCS and Government in respect to 8 additional staff recently provided to the Yatala Labour Prison staffing levels are incorrect. The PSA makes it absolutely clear that these 8 positions were provided to enable our members to enjoy their entitlements to a lunch break as outlined in their Award. This would be the first time many of our members have utilised a lunch break for the past twenty years.

At today's meeting with management, the PSA reiterated its position that all call backs, all avenues for overtime must be exhausted which can include call backs from other Institutions to avoid a lock down situation at Yatala Labour Prison. Status quo prior to the dispute is as above. The utilisation of call backs and all avenues of overtime has been the custom and practice for at least 18 months.

The PSA will not tolerate any members safety being compromised due to budget constraints. Prisons cannot operate properly without appropriate resources and funding.

The Government's publicly stated commitment to law and order must include proper funding for all workers in the justice system, just not the selected few.

For any queries, please contact PSA Industrial Officer, Margaret Jeffries on 8205 3263 or email mj@cpsu.asn.au

30 August 2006