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Message from National Chairman - Issue 2419th October 2007 Dear Colleagues “ARE YOU OFFENDED?” Today, the 19th October 2007 the POA were in Court because on the 29th August 2007 the members in England and Wales went on a days strike, the first time in the 68 year history of this union. • So, should you be offended by the actions of a new Labour Government and Prison Service management who are using the Courts to once again try and smash or neuter this union? YES. On Friday, 12th October 2007 the Prison Service put forward their submission (and that of the Government) to the Pay Review Body. A submission that once again recommends a below inflation pay award to all, a nil pay award for some and treats you the membership with contempt. • Should you be offended? YES The Government and Prison Service have hatched a plot, a scheme to modernise the Prison Service. Why, when our Service is the most successful public sector service. We have saved money year on year for the last eight years, as part of the Performance Improvement Plan, Performance Testing, Market Testing and now Clustering. So, why do we have to Modernise? Are we modernising to improve Pay, Security, Safety, Decency and Pensions or are we Modernising to “Save More Money”. No one will tell us. • Should you be offended? YES Will the new Labour Government restore our Trade Union Rights and repeal anti trade union legislation? We don’t know, but we have determined to campaign and use the European Courts to ensure our rights are restored. • Should you be offended at the action of the new Labour Government? YES The National Executive Committee on the 17th October determined that we will not take part in Modernisation until our Trade Union Rights are restored in line with modern industrial relations. • Should you be offended by this decision? NO We have raised a dispute under the JIRPA because of the Prison Services attitude towards the repayment of TOIL and a 6 million pound debt owed to you. • Should you be offended at this decision? NO This union is fighting for your rights, fighting for your safety, and fighting a Government and Prison Board who only want to drive down your living standards. The professional men and women of the Prison Service deserve to be treated FAIRLY AND WITH DECENCY AND RESPECT. At present neither the NEC nor I believe we are being treated fairly. WE ARE OFFENDED We must stand ready to defend our pay, terms and conditions and health and safety whilst at work. We must always be ready to negotiate but from a position of unity. Colin Moses |
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