SA prisons remain locked down indefinitely, as home detention officers step off job

News Brief: English

Summary

Correctional officers in South Australia have voted to continue an indefinite strike across seven prisons, with home detention monitoring officers also joining a 24-hour stoppage. The industrial action has led to a lockdown of prisoners since Monday. The union’s demand for a 20% pay rise over 18 months has been rejected by the state government.

Key Points

  • Strike Action: The Public Service Association union voted unanimously to continue an indefinite strike, affecting seven SA prisons. Officers monitoring 1,500 offenders on home detention will strike for 24 hours.
  • Union’s Position: Union leader Charlotte Watson called the strike “unprecedented,” stating the justice system is “collapsing.” The union seeks a 20% pay increase over 18 months, rejecting the government’s offer of 10.5-12.5%.
  • Government’s Response: The government has ruled out the 20% claim, calling it excessive. Officials assert that contingency plans are in place to maintain prison security and essential services.
  • Broader Impact: Sheriffs officers may join the action, potentially affecting the court system. Prisoners remain in lockdown, with services impacted.
  • Ongoing Dispute: Bargaining has lasted 15 months. The corrections department head expressed confidence in managing the situation based on emergency experience from the pandemic.

新闻简报:中文

摘要

南澳大利亚州惩教人员投票决定在七所监狱继续无限期罢工,家庭拘留监控人员也将加入24小时停工。此次工业行动导致囚犯自周一以来一直被封锁。工会提出的在18个月内加薪20%的要求已被州政府拒绝。

关键点

  • 罢工行动:公共服务协会工会一致投票决定继续无限期罢工,影响南澳七所监狱。负责监控1,500名家庭拘留罪犯的官员将罢工24小时。
  • 工会立场:工会领袖夏洛特·沃森称此次罢工”前所未有”,并表示司法系统正在”崩溃”。工会要求在18个月内加薪20%,并拒绝了政府提出的10.5-12.5%的加薪方案。
  • 政府回应:政府拒绝了20%的加薪要求,称其过高。官员们声称已制定应急计划,以维持监狱安全和基本服务。
  • 更广泛影响:法警可能加入行动,可能影响法院系统。囚犯仍被封锁,相关服务受到影响。
  • 持续争议:谈判已持续15个月。惩教部门负责人表示,基于疫情期间的紧急情况经验,有信心应对当前局面。

Original Article Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-10/sa-prisons-remain-locked-down-indefinitely/106123454

Scroll to Top