Update: NT Correctional Services and unions in ‘positive’ discussions

UPDATE: United Voice and the NT Correctional Services Commissioner Scott McNairn have met over safety concerns and the planned prison guard strike.

NT Correctional Services Commissioner Scott McNairn is confident negotiations between Corrections and the unions will settle today. Picture: KERI MEGELUS

United Voice and the NT Correctional Services Commissioner Scott McNairn have met over safety concerns and the planned prison guard strike.

Union NT branch secretary Erina Early said United Voice, the Commissioner for Corrections and the Minister met to discuss the current impasse over the enterprise agreement and the pending prison guard strike for Friday and Monday.

She said the government and the Union have agreed to wording in the proposed enterprise agreement which ensures that correctional officers have a say on their safety.
And she said they would no longer be striking.

ESCAPE, riot fears: prison officers to walk

“Safety of correctional officers was the paramount claim in these enterprise agreement negotiations,” she said.

“It was not about money — it was all about safety of officers, safety of prisoners and the safety of the community.

Correctional officers had no other choice to walk off the job until their safety concerns were

Mr McNairn told Jo Laverty and Adam Steer on ABC Darwin recent discussions with unions had been constructive.

“We’ve been having some extensive discussions with the unions for a number of months, but particularly I’ve been having discussions with the union over the past week,” he said.

“The unions discussions over the last couple of days have been positive and I’m hopeful to have some positive news in relation to the industrial action this morning.”

Last week the NT News reported corrections officers at the Alice Springs Correctional Centre would strike on July 26, and officers at the Darwin Correctional Precinct would strike on the same day over staffing and safety issues within facilities.

Mr McNairn said new plans proposed by Corrections would transform Northern Territory facilities.

“I think the blueprints I’ve presented to government will take us to being one of the best prison services or correctional services anywhere in Australia,” he said.

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“I’m quietly positive that we will hopefully avert industrial action this weekend and hopefully move forward.

“Exciting times are ahead. The prison reform excites me, it’s a great opportunity for the Northern Territory to get itself in the best position in the corrective services organisation.”

MORE TO COME.