PR 269: REINSTATE OUR RIGHT TO STRIKE DEMANDS PRISON OFFICERS’ LEADERS

The right of Prison officers to withdraw their labour is a fundamental human right recognised by the United Nations and should be reinstated for all the UK’s Prison Officers according to the Prison Officers Union. 

In 1994 the right to strike for Prison Officers was removed by the then Tory Government. The incoming Blair Government committed to reinstating the right to strike in England and Wales but failed to follow through on its pledge. Meanwhile the Scottish Government reinstated the right to strike for Prison officers there in 2015.

As the Employment Rights Bill returns to the House of Commons former Labour Shadow Chancellor, John McDonnell MP has submitted amendments to the Bill that would reinstate this basic human right for Prison Officers in the rest of the UK. 

Steve Gillan, General Secretary of the POA said:

“Strike action is a last resort, but it is one of the few ways that workers can fight back against poor pay, punishing terms of service, and workplace conditions. Banning the right to strike is the action of repressive and totalitarian regimes, Britain is supposed to be a democracy - that should include industrial democracy and universal human rights. MPs have the opportunity to right this historic wrong, the POA is urging all MPs to support John McDonnell’s amendments.”

Mark Fairhurst POA National Chair added:

“Prison Officers take their responsibilities and duties seriously, evidenced by the fact that since the right was reinstated in Scotland not a single day has been lost to strike action. This appalling restriction of basic human rights lets the Government legally exploit loyal and brave public servants, who are limited in their ability to protect their pay, terms or conditions. In any civilised society all workers should have the right to withdraw their labour.”

 

ENDS 

 

For further information, contact:

POA Press Office                                                020 8803 0255 Option 7

 

 

Notes 

John McDonnell’s amendments NC8 and NC9 would reinstate the right to strike for Prison Officers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.