Corrective Services breaks Christmas deal

Recently the Prison Officers Vocational Branch (POVB) of the Public Service Association negotiated with the Department of Corrective Services to allow as many prison officers as possible to be at home with their families on Christmas Day.

This would have meant that there would be no inmate visits on Christmas Day but in return prison officers would facilitate additional visits on Christmas Eve.

These negotiations resulted in an agreement between the parties. Unfortunately the Department has reneged on that agreement which could now see the closure of gaols throughout the State.

Matt Bindley, Chair of the POVB, said "All we have wanted is for as many of our members to be at home with their families on Christmas Day. Agreement had been reached and rosters prepared. Now with the Department reneging on this deal the rosters will be changed to cater for criminals".

Mr Bindley added "We will be putting this issue to management again on Thursday and a refusal by management on this issue could lead to the closure of gaols throughout the State".