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Message from National Chairman - Issue 19 8th August 2007 Dear Colleagues PAY 2008/09 I read with interest the Director General’s update issued on the Prison Service intranet on 3rd August 2007, in respect of finance. It is strange that he outlines to us all that finances are tight across Government, Public Services and the Prison Service. I am sure that none of us need to be told that at this time. We struggle to manage the constant rises in the cost of living against the backdrop of below inflation pay awards year on year. Was this message in response to the directive from Government that the Prison Service has to make a 3% cashable saving for the next three years? Was it in response to our survey on pay for 2008/09? I genuinely do not know. But I do know that we must receive a fair and decent pay award this year, if the Prison Service is to continue to be safe, decent and secure. You may ask what has pay got to do with safety, decency and security. The simple answer is that we need to be able to recruit new staff. To retain existing staff, and reward the professional men and women of the Prison Service for the outstanding work they do every day of every week of every year. In dealing with offenders, who society can no longer cope with, we are expected to address their offending behaviour. I do not believe that to ask for a pay increase of between 5% and 9% is unrealistic. I believe it is fair and reasonable. How can we achieve it - that is the 64 million dollar question? We don’t need to evidence our achievement - that is matter of record. We do need to justify the claim and we call on the Government to treat the staff in the remit group as a Special Case. It would be invaluable if the Prisons Board stood shoulder to shoulder with the POA on this matter. If the Government acceded to our request to be treated as a Special Case; maybe a solid platform could be established to work from to develop workforce reform. This is something we all know the Prison Service and Government are keen to address. If we are given Special Case status then we can have the shackles removed and the Pay Review Body can put forward recommendations to rectify the last four years of below inflation pay awards. I hope to be able to report on positive industrial relations, a fair pay award and a partnership agreement that truly delivers. The reality is that until people recognise and respect us for the work we do and the vital role we play in society, our fight for justice will continue. Colin Moses |
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