WHAT NOW FOR POA MEMBERS?

There were plenty of positives to take from the POA Conference 2024, yet we still face an uphill struggle when it comes to our workers' health and safety, as well as policy making.

POA Conference 2024 was an extremely positive, constructive event, and I would like to personally thank all delegates, invited guests and attendees for their contribution to a successful week. We had some amazing firsttime speakers, well constructed debates and positive motions carried that will shape the future of the Union. It was pleasing to see the entire NEC recognising the positivity towards them from the delegate floor. There is definitely a sense that the Union, as a whole, is united and, during these precarious times we now face in our workplaces, unity has never been so important.

We have the backs of our members and it is refreshing to know that POA members have the backs of the NEC as well.

The main surprise during Conference Week was the announcement of the July General Election. This immediately sprung us into action, as we quickly realised that the dissolving of government meant the prison population crisis would not be going away just because the sitting government had. A hurried circular was drafted that robustly defended the position of the POA, stating we would not accept any breach of our operational capacity in our prisons and would act accordingly.

Within 24 hours of the publication of that circular, myself and the General Secretary attended an emergency meeting with the Secretary of State for Justice, Alex Chalk, to discuss our stance. The Lord Chancellor gave us his personal assurance that those so-called ‘red lines’ would not be breached and that he was exploring all other options, should we reach full capacity prior to a new government being announced.

Once again, a union without the power to strike has forced the government to agree with them and act.

It is inevitable that prior to July 5th , when a new government enters power, our jails will be full and the early release scheme would have been relatively ineffective. Oh how we could do with those 10,700 spaces we lost when the government closed 20 public sector prisons. I guess some cost saving ideas really do come back to bite you.

WHAT NOW FOR POA MEMBERS?

Our five-year strategy outlining our priorities was approved at the conference. It summarises what we would demand of any government, but with the pledges from Labour, who, at the time of writing, are likely to gain control, some of our asks should provide an interesting decision-making process for Sir Keir Starmer.

For example, we would like our right to take strike action reinstated. The basic human right of any worker is to withdraw their labour if they are in a dispute with their employer. However, since 1994 POA members have been denied that basic right and, since 2017, we have been subject to a permanent high court injunction that prevents me from even suggesting members should work-to-rule, refuse to perform voluntary tasks, ban overtime, or even direct members to work differently.

Labour has pledged to rescind anti-trade union legislation within their first 100 days. The legislation we are subject to is a prime example of anti-trade union law, so we fully expect them to honour their pledge. So far, meetings with potential ministers and secretaries of state have led to non-committal answers. We will be forcing this issue, but past experience has taught me that the proof is in the pudding.

Along with this demand, we also want better pay, a lower retirement age, safer workplaces, a professionalisation programme for staff that rewards them, and we are asking for a Royal Commission into the entire Criminal Justice System.

I can assure all members that I will not rest and will do all that I can to improve their working lives, no matter who we have in government.

It would not have escaped the attention of POA members that recent events have proven how precarious our workplaces really are. We have seen another private sector prison have its contract cancelled and now HMP Lowdham Grange will be part of the public sector prison service. It's a shame that Sodexo, who held the contract, would not recognise the POA. Other private sector prisons who do so quickly realise that working with us helps to improve their delivery, which in turn assists them meet targets, improves safety and increases the pay of their staff. We would never have allowed a deterioration in standards to such an extent that required intervention. Maybe other unions lie down and that is why some providers avoid us.

Recent concerning events at HMP Parc, where the POA have an abundance of members but no recognition rights, highlight that a weak union response does nothing to improve stability.

The POA value the private sector membership, and stand ready to accept recognition from all private sector companies.

All across the country, in every single workplace, we witness increased pressures on POA members. In our immigration centres, the volume they are now dealing with is spiking and that shows no sign of decreasing during the summer months, whilst our NHS colleagues who work in our secure hospitals continue to experience aggression, violence and staff attrition at a level they have never seen before. POA members in our escort services are deluged with excessive work due to the demands placed upon them. Yet despite all these pressures, POA members continue to deliver and the work they do is commendable.

DESPERATE TIMES AHEAD

The entire Criminal Justice System is in meltdown and it is POA members that bear the brunt of failed government policies. Something has to change – and change quickly. You cannot get justice on the cheap and you certainly cannot build your way out of a population crisis.

With the approach of peak summer leave and the inevitability of staffing shortages, I truly hope we can get through this period without the need for permanent Tornado teams on standby. These are times of uncertainty and instability, brought on by severe overcrowding and a crumbling prison estate due to decades of underinvestment. If you read the Woolf report from 1991, you will soon realise that not much has changed in over 30 years.

If we truly wish to change things for the better within the service, then the POA – the voice of the frontline – needs to be listened to. The government need to act before it’s too late.

We will continue to support all members and will defend you, regardless of the unfair criticisms you face from people who will never ever work on the frontline.

Until next time, I hope you get to enjoy some well-earned leave during the summer months. Stay safe, look after each other, and remember that we are always here for you. l

All the best.

MARK FAIRHURST
NATIONAL CHAIR