Hundreds of Territory prison officers set to strike within weeks

Hundreds of Territory correctional officers will strike by the end of the month if their pay rise demands aren’t met within the week. Find out what they’re asking for.

Hundreds of Territory correctional officers will walk off the job within weeks if a new pay deal isn’t struck with the government by next Monday.

The United Workers Union, which represents the NT’s correctional officers, has been locked in tense negotiations over a new enterprise agreement in recent months, with threats of further industrial action now close to eventuating.

In December, the union knocked back the government’s latest proposal, which included a three per cent per annum pay rise, as well as an additional allowance of 1.25 per cent every year.

Under the deal, the pay rise would have been backdated to December 2021.

Hundreds of correctional officers in Alice Springs and Darwin will walk off the job if a new enterprise agreement isn’t finalised with the government by Monday. Picture: Lee Robinson

Instead, union members have demanded a six per cent pay rise – in line with what they believe “better reflects inflation and the significant workload they have endured over several years due to lack of staff and lack of resources”.

The union had entered a “good faith” agreement with the government and agreed to cancel planned strikes over the festive season while talks were underway.

However, with a new deal yet to be inked, as many as 200 correctional officers at Alice Springs Correctional Centre and Darwin Correctional Centre will walk off the job by the end of the month if an agreement isn’t reached by January 9.

United Workers Union NT branch secretary Erina Early said correctional officers would not settle for less than a six per cent per annum pay rise. Picture: Floss Adams

United Workers Union NT branch secretary Erina Early said the strike could last up to 24 hours at both facilities.

“Most of their staffing will be knocked out,” Ms Early said.

“Work stoppages aren’t taken lightly.”

Ms Early said union members would not settle for less than a six per cent per annum pay rise, which would be backdated in full to December 2021 if the demands are met.

“They’re still experiencing frustration,” she said.

“We haven’t had any progression from the government.

“It is frustrating because we were progressing just before Christmas.

“This should be a priority for the government.”

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said the government would work with the corrections union to find a “balance” on proposed pay rises. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

The union’s proposed figure would be double the pay rise given to Territory teachers when they signed a new agreement after months of their own negotiations.

A spokesman said the NT government would “continue to negotiate in good faith” with correctional officers.

“We acknowledge the pressures facing NT Correctional Services and will continue to work with them to address these,” he said.

Last month, Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said the government would work with the union to find a “balance” on proposed pay rises.

“They’re talking around protections and making sure it’s a safe working environment and we’re really keen to progress that,” Ms Fyles said.

“We’ve been trying to work efficiently all the way through this.”

Originally published as Hundreds of Territory prison officers set to strike within weeks