CIRC 098: OSG INDICATIVE WORKPLACE BALLOT

At the NEC on 27th October 2021, the National Executive Committee determined to hold an Indicative Workplace Ballot of our OSG members. This ballot will include all Band 2 members, Prison Auxiliary’s and Night staff in England and Wales.

These vital prison staff are amongst the lowest paid POA members and how they have been treated by Government and the employer regarding this year’s pay award, in the view of the NEC, is shameful.

The NEC would like to make the wider membership aware that these members, are not restricted from taking industrial action by Section 127 of the Criminal Justice Act 1994.

At this stage the NEC have decided to hold an Indicative Ballot of our members within these grades. If it is indicated in this ballot that these members wish to challenge the outrageous pay award made by Government, the POA will move to hold a Statutory Ballot of these members. 

Before any industrial action is called or endorsed, the law requires that there is a ballot of members in accordance with strict legal requirements. Only where such a ballot produces a majority in favour of industrial action and at least 50% of those eligible to vote have voted will the action be lawful. Further in the case of important public services, at least 40% of those eligible to vote must have voted to support the action. These are minimum levels, the NEC would of course like to see far higher levels, were the Union to decide to proceed in this way.

The initial Indicative Workplace Ballot will take place from Monday 22nd November 2021 until Monday 13th December 2012. Once the outcome is announced the NEC will make an informed decision on whether to proceed to a Statutory Ballot. 

If you are a member within these grades, please ensure you take part in the process and make your views known. 

Yours sincerely

STEVE GILLAN
General Secretary