Bans at Riverina JJC lifted

The Department of Juvenile Justice notified a dispute with the Industrial Relations Commission in relation to bans on CIMS and Casework that were imposed locally at Riverina JJC on Friday 28 March regarding "over numbers".

(Editors Note: "Over numbers" are inmates in excess of the allocated beds in an institution. For example, Riverina has 33 beds and has had 38-39 inmates. This overcrowding has serious OHS implications for staff and inmates.)

The dispute between parties was listed for conciliation today before Hon. Deputy President Sams. The Deputy President strongly recommended that the Association and its members immediately remove all industrial bans or threats of industrial action to allow the parties to continue negotiations in good faith regarding "over numbers".

Accordingly the Association advises members to remove all industrial bans or threats of industrial action in relation to the issue of "over numbers" on the following basis:

• The trial of the Department's method of risk-based decision-making continues till the 6 April 2008.
• That the parties meet in the week beginning 7 April to review the trial and the viability of the Department's method for managing "over numbers" in all centres.
• Should agreement between the parties not be reached, then the assistance of the Industrial Relations Commission would be sought to settle the matters in conciliation.
• Failing settlement of the matters in conciliation the Association will seek to have the matter arbitrated.

The Hon. Deputy President has listed this matter for further report back and compulsory conference on Monday 14 April, should the parties fail to reach an agreement.

Previous bulletin was Juvenile Justice movement on overcrowding issue