The National Chairman

May 2007

DEMOCRACY

We are about to approach our 68th Annual Conference, the venue that brings together local representatives, national officials and honoured guests. This forum sets the policy for this “union”, your union, the union of your choice. What is the relevance of this statement you may ask? Let me enlighten you. Those in England and Wales have for the past six years been subject to a pay award determined by a Pay Review Body, which is supposed to be independent.

We, this union, your union, have challenged that independence and still challenge it. Why, because it is not independent, it is far from being independent and it is being used by the Government and Prison Service to undermine this union, neuter this union and change your terms and conditions.

We have for more than ten years been fighting for our full trade union rights, your full trade union rights, this unions rights. This course of action was not determined by me or the NEC at the time, it was determined by Annual Conference, the ruling body of this union, as a consequence of Anti Trade Union Legislation. Legislation brought in by a Tory Government and left in place by New Labour. It is right? NO! Will it change? NO, unless we stand together and fight for our rights.

As a result of these matters our employer has constantly bullied this union through the courts and threatened the livelihoods of national and local officials. The latest debate is over Contract Supplementary Hours. Yes, we have been in court and are subject to a court order, but now as branch officials try to utilise “your rules” and investigate and possibly discipline members, the employer is seeking to utilise the courts to “gag” this union. Why? Because the management can’t manage, won’t manage and constantly mis-manage the service using EGP’s, TOIL, CSH, Detached Duty, Bedwatch Payments and Tornado to support over crowded, under resourced prisons “all at your expense”.

JIRPA

Firstly, we have for many years been in dispute with the mis-management of the JIRPA by management. This has led to this union having to seek legal redress to protect our union. Unfortunately, this process has taken many, many months but we should have a resolve shortly. It will then be a matter for Conference whether we remain or withdraw all under the umbrella of democracy.

My simple message is clear, if you truly believe in Trade Unionism and the POA then trust in democracy, abide by the policy of this union, your union, and do not allow the courts, your employer and Government to treat you with “distain”.

Colin Moses
National Chairman

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