|
|
Message from National Chairman - Issue 162nd May 2007 Dear Colleagues 2007 PAY ENGLAND AND WALES; “POSTURING OR LEADERSHIP?” We all know that as a result of Anti-Trade Union Legislation, this Union has been prevented from reacting to change as other unions do. We have been subject to Sections 126, 127 and 128 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 and as a consequence a Voluntary Agreement, the JIRPA and a Pay Review Body, none of these worked or work, they are not fair, they impinge on this Unions ability to properly represent its members and have taken away our rights for Free Collective Bargaining. This year’s pay award for England and Wales is “below inflation” for the “vast majority” of this Unions members, despite the submissions made by the Executive to the Pay Review Body. The award is an insult to the professional men and women who work for the Prison Service in England and Wales. On top of that the “below inflation” award is being staged, again insulting you and your colleagues. We therefore must question the independence and integrity of the Pay Review Body and whether this Union continues to give evidence in future years. Remember, we currently have record numbers in our custody, over 80,000 inmates. The average pay award in Scotland was 3.5% plus 1.1% non-consolidated. The Pay award in Northern Ireland equates to 3.5% per year on a three year pay deal. Our colleagues in Southern Ireland have been awarded an 8% pay award. So why are we being treated differently? Answer, due to the record number of prisoners in England and Wales and because additional funding is not forthcoming and in the eyes of the Prisons Board and the Government this means that POA members are being asked to pay for those numbers through below inflation pay awards What is the pay award worth on average today? A Principal Officer £39.00 per month A Senior Officer £36.00 per month An Officer ranging from £20.00 to £30.00 per month An OSG on average £21.00 per month Is this fair? NO, why not you may ask, because we deserve a Fair and Decent Pay Award to recognise the work we do everyday of every week, coping with the people society can no longer deal with. What can we do? Well, we can start by “balloting you the membership”, to see if you believe this year’s Pay Award is Fair, Reasonable and Just or was it based on Facts, Economics, Cost of Living, Affordability or as part of an efficiency drive to force the Public Sector into Meltdown. I think the latter. The view of the General Secretary and myself is that we should consider balloting the membership on the fairness of the staged pay award because enough is enough. Let us see if you accept the staging of your pay award, if not then we will lead you and this Union in a campaign to ensure this Union is treated fairly. That you are rewarded for the work you do and ensure that the Prison Service and Government recognise that the POA stands ready to defend its members, to protect their terms and conditions by whatever means necessary. I will not posture or make promises that this Union cannot deliver. However, I will lead this Union’s membership no matter what the cost, if the members decide that enough is enough. Finally, I must advise you that this Union is in Court on the 8th May 2007 for Contempt in relation to CSH; the Director General has stated that 500 staff works CSH, against the backdrop of a Service that is 1,000 prison officers short. Surely, this cannot be right. What I will say is that the 500 working CSH for short term financial gain ultimately may cost this Union its very existence. “Think before you sign up Colin Moses |
  |
 |
|
