Clarence Correctional jail workers threaten strike over pay offer that union says is ‘grossly inadequate’

While Serco recently lauded its one year anniversary, union officials say workers are ‘angry’ over agreement they claim will make them second worst paid in country

The management of the Clarence Correctional Centre may have been celebrating its first anniversary recently, but according to the union representing their staff, there is little to be cheery over.

The Community Public Sector Union is encouraging its correctional service officer members to reject an enterprise agreement tabled by operators Serco, calling it “measly”.

And they are warning of future industrial action unless a serious offer is put on the table.

Branch assistant secretary of the CPSU Troy Wright said that when the jail opened, Serco refused to employ people under an enterprise agreement, instead hiring them under a modern federal award, which he said was barely used.

“The officers were getting $24.21, which you can get more working at Bunnings,” he said.

“That led to massive issues with staff attraction and retention, and still they refused to enterprise bargain.”

Mr Wright said the union sought a majority support determination for a new enterprise agreement, and in November, Serco agreed to bargain.

This month, Serco offered correctional workers a new enterprise agreement and gave workers a week to vote on whether they would accept.

The union urged their members to say no to the vote, which started Wednesday and ends this Monday.

“That agreement is missing in our view many vital terms and conditions – things we’ve asked for and things Serco pay at other operations,” Mr Wright said.

“Things like allowances for specific roles, paid parental leave, enough personal leave – particularly at the moment with Covid, and rostering provisions.

“Most importantly, it hasn’t got a decent salary. They are offering an increase in the rate from $24.21 to $26.99, which in our calculations places them as the second-lowest paid correctional officers.

“It’s well below the national average of $31, well below public sector, particularly below what Serco pay in Western Australia and until recently in Queensland.”

On top of this, Mr Wright claimed that there were widespread staff shortages, with many initial training programs finishing with only 50 per cent of their intake, and all officers offered two days per fortnight overtime each week to make up for the shortfall – meaning staff would be working almost 100 hours a fortnight if they chose to take it

“The crisis is so bad, Serco offered on top of overtime rates an additional $150 per person per shift inducement to take overtime, and are offering finders fees for staff who find recruits,” he said.

“Our members are extremely proud of the job that they are doing here – but they expect to be paid fairly.”

A Serco spokesman said that as part of the ongoing negotiations for an enterprise agreement at Clarence Correctional Centre, Serco Australia offered a wage increase of 11 per cent for correctional case officers and a one-off payment of $1,000.

“This increase is well above the wage price index and in excess of other industry increases. With the one-off payment, it takes the Clarence workers well above the union’s own identified industry average,” they said.

“The union has continually attempted to undermine the actual value with inconsistent comparisons. We have attempted to remain consistent, but in reality, the annual aggregate salary will go from $61,602 to approximately $68,400 immediately (in year one) and will increase to $70,110 in year two.”

The spokesman said that claims over a lack of personal and parental leave were misleading as both were contained in company policies and meet industry and FairWork standards.

“We have strongly encouraged our staff to approve the enterprise agreement so the increase can be paid to staff as soon as possible, and we call on the union to withdraw its threat of future action that will impact the overall security of the facility.”

Mr Wright said they were urging their members to reject the proposal and for Serco to return to the negotiating table.

The union had also initiated a Protected Action Ballot Order run by the Australian Electoral Commission, which closed in August.

“That closes in August, and if the majority approves it of the members, we can take action,” Mr Wright said.

“I have never worked in 10 years with a group of members who are so angry and so disgruntled and sick and tired of being taken advantage of financially in a long time.

“The recent anniversary at the same time Serco were celebrating on their achievements, that’s achievement done by our members, while at the same time they’re offering a grossly inadequate salary offer.

“Industrial action isn’t something our union takes lightly, especially in something like corrections.

“We hope we can return to the bargaining table – and with the support of industrial action show Serco we’re serious and show them they cannot operate that jail without their workforce, and offer those workers a far fairer deal.”