Ban on justice worker strikes contributing to 'dangerous erosion' of workplace conditions, unions warn

The POA and GMB say 'disempowered and exploited' prison and custody workers must have the right to strike reinstated 

Unions representing staff working in the justice sector have issued a warning that the ban on industrial action for prison officers has directly contributed to a deterioration in their pay, conditions, morale, and retention.

The POA, which represents prison and correctional workers, and GMB Union, which represents prisoner escort and custody officers, are demanding that the right to strike be reinstated for these workers in England and Wales.

The cooperation between the two unions was announced today [13 May] at the POA’s annual conference, which heard that denying workers the right to strike has left them with no effective way to fight back against years of assaults on their terms and conditions.

The unions have pointed towards workers’ inability to effectively challenge low pay and deteriorating conditions in the sector as a key reason for low rates of recruitment and retention, which in turn contribute to dysfunction in the prison and court systems.

Steve Gillan, POA General Secretary, said:

“The POA is delighted to have GMB join our campaign to demand the repeal of Section 127 of the Criminal Justice Act 1994.

“Between our two unions, we represent tens of thousands of workers in the justice system, and we see the low pay, long hours, and dire conditions our members experience.

“Without any industrial muscle, they are at the mercy of management which has seen them disempowered and exploited.

"As a direct result, morale and retention are at rock bottom." 

Warren Kenny, GMB London Regional Secretary, said:

“We are proud to join the POA’s campaign to restore our members’ right to strike and tackle an injustice at the heart of our justice system.

“The inability of justice workers to fight for better workplaces has resulted in a dangerous erosion of their conditions and an exodus of experienced staff.

 “The crisis in recruitment and retention cannot be addressed without giving a voice to those hard-working staff at the sharp end of justice system.”

Photo credit: Jess Hurd/POA