Community Corrections workers held their second day of strike action today, protesting for better pay and conditions. The Public Service Association (PSA) members, who work with over 31,000 people in the care of Corrections in the community, gathered in front of the Manukau District Court, waving flags and banners.
The PSA Community Corrections workers voted to strike three times in April after nine months of negotiations with the Department of Corrections. The strikes involve members walking off the job for three two-hour strikes, three weeks in a row. This action will leave residential facilities unstaffed, courts without Corrections representatives, programs in prisons unable to run, Community Work crews unable to operate, electronic monitoring unmonitored, and parole and release conditions unmanaged.
“The most recent proposal and the Department’s pay system ignore the realities of today with inflation at 7.2%, where burnout is ‘just part of the job’ and covering for constant staff vacancies means holding dangerously large workloads,” said PSA lead organiser for Community Corrections, Josephine O’Connor.
She added that the PSA members’ pay sits just above the minimum wage, and a pay system that discriminates against Māori staff. The members are considering their options, and staff who have been with the department for more than 20 years, managing the most intensive risk, are being offered a wage cut when adjusted for inflation.
“These are people performing what is often regarded as invisible work. You won’t see them featured in Corrections TV advertisements chatting at BBQ’s, they don’t wear uniforms, they are mostly women, and they manage 75% of people under the care of Corrections. This is a vital, 24/7 operation, and the pay is appalling,” said Josephine O’Connor.
The PSA will continue to push for wage increases that close the gap with the private sector and offset the inflationary pressures on its members’ household budgets. The next strike will be on April 27 from 2 to 4 pm. The strikes have been planned to continue until the end of April.
