PR 314: POA CALLS FOR TRADE UNION SOLIDARITY AS GUERNSEY PRISON OFFICERS CONTINUE INDUSTRIAL ACTION

The Prison Officers' Association (POA) has expressed its full support and solidarity with Prison Officers at Les Nicolles Prison in Guernsey who are currently undertaking industrial action in response to long-standing concerns over pay, staffing, recruitment, retention and increasing workplace pressures.

The POA has become aware that retired Prison Officers are being actively recruited through a private agency to undertake temporary roles at Guernsey Prison during the ongoing dispute. The Union believes these appointments are intended to provide operational cover while Prison Officers are engaged in lawful industrial action.

The POA is calling on retired Prison Officers not to apply for, accept or facilitate temporary appointments which would undermine the legitimate industrial action being taken by their colleagues.

POA General Secretary Steve Gillan said:

"Workers never take industrial action lightly. It is always a last resort after sustained efforts to have genuine workplace concerns addressed.

"The issues facing prison staff in Guernsey are familiar to Prison Officers across the British Isles. Chronic staffing shortages, difficulties recruiting and retaining experienced staff, increasing workplace pressures and a lack of proper recognition are challenges that affect prison services everywhere.

"Employers should be engaging constructively with their workforce to resolve disputes rather than seeking temporary labour to dilute the impact of lawful industrial action.

“The POA Executive strongly urges retired members not to apply for, accept, promote, or otherwise co-operate with the recruitment of temporary Prison Officers intended to cover the duties of employees engaged in industrial action at Guernsey Prison.”

Mark Fairhurst, POA National Chair said:

"The POA stands shoulder to shoulder with Prison Officers in Guernsey. We hope meaningful negotiations can now take place to resolve this dispute fairly and ensure the dedicated staff at Les Nicolles Prison receive the respect, recognition and investment they deserve.

“The POA has written directly to its members urging them not to participate in any recruitment exercise designed to replace workers taking lawful industrial action. The Union has also sent a formal message of solidarity to Prison Officers in Guernsey and their recognised trade union, reaffirming its commitment to the principles of unity across the trade union movement.

“Prison Officers undertake one of the most demanding roles in public service, maintaining the safety and security of prisons and the wider public in increasingly challenging circumstances. The POA believes the concerns raised by Prison Officers in Guernsey deserve to be addressed through meaningful dialogue.”

ENDS

For further information, contact:

POA Press Office 020 8803 0255 Option 7