13 March 2006
For immediate release

Corrections Disappointed By Industrial Action

The Department of Corrections today said it is disappointed Corrections Inmate Employment (CIE) CANZ members have decided to take industrial action.

CIE Manager Brent Maughan says that approximately 150 CANZ members will withdraw their labour for 24-hours on Wednesday 15 March.

“Corrections has been negotiating with CANZ for some time. Unfortunately we have been unable to reach agreement,” says Mr Maughan

“Corrections is willing to consider increasing pay rates where they can be shown to be below market rates or where there are retention and recruitment problems. In fact, we have already increased some pay rates shown to be below the market rate. Corrections position remains to continue to pay market rates for all positions.”

Mr Maughan emphasised that the industrial action has little impact on prison operations.

“The action only affects a small portion of Corrections – around 150 of the 5300 staff Corrections employs. Staff and public safety are our absolute priority and these will not be compromised by the action.

Those participating in the action are responsible for the delivery of prisoner training and employment programmes, says Mr Maughan, and Corrections has contingency plans in place to minimise the impact of this action.

“We hope to continue discussions with CANZ and resolve this dispute as quickly as possible. That way we can get on with doing what we are here to do – provide prisoners with work experience and skills so they have good chance of finding employment on their release from prison.”

ENDS

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