PRISON OFFICERS STRIKE BLOW FOR BETTER PAY

30-08-2007

Striking prison officers at HMP Birmingham and other jails around the country went back to work last night after the High Court ruled their action unlawful. Their union will now enter talks tomorrow with Justice Secretary Jack Straw.

Earlier claims that the 24 hour strike was "wildcat" action which caught the government by surprise were dismissed on the picket line at Winson Green.

The chair of the local Prison Officers Association branch Brian Clarke said that he and his colleagues had given "plenty of warning" about their intentions.

Clarke explained that there had been two special delegate meetings in the past year at which it was decided to withdraw from JIRPA - the joint pay review body; and last week there had been a positive result in a vote on industrial action.

Birmingham staff have been among the most militant in the country, having led the way last year in refusing to work over and above their statutory duties.

They are dissatisfied with the government's decision to give their latest pay award of 2.5% in two stages - reducing it in real terms to 1.9%.

Clarke said that in his own case, he earns £26,500 a year after a 24 year stint in the service.

All 620 officers at Winson Green observed the strike.