Bullying a major problem in prison services
Prison Officers Association (POA) president Gabriel Keaveny said the association had been calling on Justice Minister Michael McDowell to conduct independent research into the problem, but nothing was being done.
He felt such research would be vital in dealing with the problem.
“Other organisations have faced this issue head-on and developed worker-friendly practices which are a threat to no one and of immense benefit to employees and management alike,” Mr Keaveny stated.
He said that if the issue was not urgently addressed, the POA would seek the application of the anti-bullying policy which applied to the general civil service.
He said the civil service document had been revised and produced in partnership with the staff unions.
“But, of course,” Mr Keaveny added, “this document is not acceptable to senior management in the prison service. They want to do things differently. I wonder why”.
He called on the minister to intervene.
