More Territory prison strikes may follow as corrections union rejects pay rise

Territory correctional officers could be on strike within weeks after the union rejected the government’s pay offer. Find out what they’re asking for.

Corrections officers in Territory prisons could be on strike again within weeks after the union rejected the government’s proposed pay rise as negotiations for a new enterprise agreement continue.

In a letter sent on Thursday afternoon, United Workers Union NT branch secretary Erina Early informed Public Employment Commissioner Vicki Telfer that the union would not accept the “informal” offer of a 3 per cent per annum pay rise.

As part of the proposed deal, the pay rise would be backdated to December last year, and an extra allowance of 1.25 per cent.

Of the 351 union members who were surveyed, 87 per cent rejected the proposal.

United Workers Union NT branch secretary Erina Early said members wanted a pay rise in line with inflation and their workload. Picture: Floss Adams

“Members are seeking a wage offer that better reflects inflation and the significant workload they have endured over several years due to lack of staff and lack of resources,” Ms Early wrote in the letter, which was shared with members on Thursday afternoon.

“This unreasonable workload is a considerable efficiency measure itself.”

Ms Early said corrections officers were demanding a minimum pay rise of 6 per cent per annum and would continue their work stoppages “until a wage offer is tabled which better reflects the risks and recognises the contributions my members have been providing to ensure the security and good order of the NT correctional facilities”.

The union has threatened more strikes if a deal with the government is not struck by the new year. Picture: Lee Robinson

The union had agreed to call off planned strikes between Christmas and the new year as a showing of “good faith” while talks over a new agreement were under way.

However, in her letter, Ms Early said if the government did not agree to the union’s proposal further strikes would occur in January after the “good faith commitment over the festive period” expired.

She said the union would lodge an application with the Fair Work Commission for a 30-day extension of its protected industrial action, allowing members to strike for another month, if a deal was not made with the government over the festive period.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said the government would try and find a “balance” on pay rises for corrections officers. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

According to the Fair Work Commission, industrial action is “protected” during negotiations for a new enterprise agreement.

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.”

Ms Fyles said she appreciated the union’s “sense of urgency” to ink a new agreement.