Majority of prison officers will not push to strike
They believe the reason for the rejection of a deal on overtime has been misrepresented and they are being targeted by Justice Minister Michael McDowell in the same way as he has attacked organised criminals and the IRA.
As tenders were invited to run prison escorts and the Curragh Prison closed for good yesterday, officers at grassroots level are preparing for a stormy annual general meeting next week.
Officers are deeply angry at reports that those earning huge amounts of overtime led the opposition to the deal, which offered a package of between €45,000 and €69,000 in return for working an average 340 additional hours a year.
Those canvassed yesterday said the deal was rejected because it would have meant all officers being forced to work a 48-hour week, every week. Officers who refused to work overtime would have faced disciplinary measures up to and including dismissal. One officer, who voted for the deal, said he understood why it was rejected by 70% of the more than 3000 members of the Prison Officers’ Association, whose executive recommended a ‘yes’ vote.
It has been suggested that those earning huge amounts in overtime payments and retired members drove the opposition to the deal.
Mr McDowell has ordered governors to keep within monthly budgets, beginning on May 2. In order to cut costs, two prisons are to close permanently. The Curragh in Kildare closed yesterday while Spike Island in Cork will shut for good tomorrow week.
However, there is little talk among members of industrial action. “The only reason to stage industrial action is over the closure of the prisons. Why should we take action after democratically voting on a deal and turning it down?” one officer said.
The Irish Prison Service has issued a tender notice for prisoner transfer and escort service. An initial two-year contract may be extended for a further three years by agreement between the parties.
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