Chief Correctional Officers in the NT prison system are set to launch a campaign of protected industrial action, including work stoppages, after the NT government stalled enterprise agreement negotiations.
The Chiefs work in correctional centres in Darwin, Berrimah and Alice Springs and their job involves managing a wide range of prison operations including the movement of prisoners.
Despite many months of talks between the NT government and unions, the government is refusing to sideline plans that would cut many crucial workplace rights and protections.
But the Chiefs are demanding a better deal.
This is the first time this group of workers has ever taken industrial action.
Their concerns include: health and safety issues due over capacity within prisons, unfair workers compensation arrangements, the removal of the public service redeployment register, and the introduction of 24-hour shifts.
A protected industrial action ballot commenced on 21 August and will finish on 29 August which includes a range of stoppages and work bans designed to send a clear message to the Government that the NT Chiefs deserve a fairer deal.
Quotes attributable to CPSU NT Regional Secretary David Villegas.
"This group of workers have been under extraordinary pressure over the past 12 months because of the massive increase in prisoner numbers.
"Every day they go above and beyond to keep things on track. But rather than rewarding them for their effort, the NT Government is slashing important rights and longstanding working conditions.
"It's a slap in the face and frankly they are furious."
