John Welch, Secretary of the WA Prison Officers Union
Our colleagues in Tasmania face an important struggle this week. Dozens of staff have been stood down without pay for refusing to work under changed conditions at Risdon Prison in Hobart.
These new conditions put the safety of Prison Officers under significant risk in the maximum security part of the prison.
On behalf of the members and Council of the WA Prison Officers Union (WAPOU) I extend my support to the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) and the Prison Officers of Tasmania, in the face of the disgraceful actions of Minister Nick McKim.
It is astonishing that any Minister, let alone one purporting to support working people, would seek to stand down staff to avoid them being able to take action to protect their own safety.
WAPOU and our members know and understand the sorts of risks Prison Officers in Tasmania face every day – and we stand beside you supporting your right to fight for a safe working environment. Just because Prison Officers are hidden behind fences does not mean that they should be expected to accept sub standard working conditions.
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John Welch
WA Prison Officers’ Union
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