PUBLIC SECTOR WAGE DISPUTE CLOSES PRISONS

On Monday, 3 May, Yatala Labor Prison, Women’s Prison and the Adelaide Remand Centre were shut down by a snap strike of Correctional Services Officers.

More than 160 Prison Officers walked off the job from 8.15 am in protest against the State Government’s refusal to take its pay offer to a vote of all Public Sector workers, both union and non-union. The action also forced the cancellation of prisoner transportation to court.

Industrial Relations Minister, Michael Wright last week announced the Government’s current offer was final, but has refused to take the offer to a ballot of the Public Service. Instead the Minister indicated he would be seeking a new award for Public Sector workers in the Industrial Relations Commission.

Ms McMahon said “the Government’s decision effectively denied Public Sector workers the opportunity to have their say about their own pay offer’’.

“To date, the Minister has not engaged his own workforce and now he is simply seeking to cut them out of the process all together,’’ she said.

“If the Minister genuinely believes his offer is fair and reasonable and that it has the support of the majority of public sector workers, why won’t he put it to the vote?

“The PSA has already indicated that it would abide by the result. A ballot of all Public Sector workers is the fairest, most cost effective way of resolving the dispute.’’

The Government is offering 4 per cent to some Public Sector workers, whilst offering 3.5 per cent to others including professionals such as child protection workers, social workers, medical scientists and dental officers. The PSA is claiming 5 per cent a year over two years across the Public Sector.

For information contact Industrial Officer Simon Johnson, on 8205 3261

or email spj@cpsu.asn.au

4/05/04