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Press releasesREF: PR/010/08 DATE: 1st May 2008 To: MPs PRESS RELEASE LEGAL ACTION THREATENED AGAINST PRISON OFFICERSFollowing the walkout by a number of staff at HMP Lindholme, near Doncaster, in support of their colleagues who were suspended and face unjustified disciplinary action other branches have taken immediate action to support their fellow workers. The leaders of the POA are concerned that the Government, Ministry of Justice and Prison Service have engineered this dispute in an attempt to justify the reintroduction of Section 127 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 through the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill along with and the recent amendment which was placed before the House of Lords on 30th April 2008. The management at Lindholme prison were fully aware of the depth of feelings of its staff due to the suspension and threats of dismissal, and knew that if they lit the touch paper, there was every likelihood that staff would react. Leaders of the POA have made it clear that they have not induced nor encouraged neither individuals nor groups of prison officers to walkout. The leaders are disgusted at the threats that have been placed against the staff and the Union. It is morally wrong that individuals should be used as scapegoats to justify the Governments actions in reintroducing anti-trade union legislation. To threaten staff with summary dismissal when the leaders of its Union are seeking a resolve through negotiations, is a disgraceful and unacceptable act. To threaten the Union with contempt of court proceedings in the belief that the employees have the tacit support of the POA is morally repugnant. Leaders of the POA are returning from conferences outside of the country in an attempt to seek a resolution at the earliest opportunity.
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