Prison officers stage unofficial action

Police were called in to run prisons in Northern Ireland tonight after warders failed to report for duty.

All visits to the top security Maghaberry jail near Lisburn, Co Antrim, were immediately cancelled.

Prison Service director Peter Russell confirmed a significant number of prison staff had not reported for duty.

He said: “This action is reprehensible. It increases the potential for disruption in the prisons when there is already a volatile atmosphere.”

It is believed the unofficial action, which also affected Magilligan, Co Derry, is linked to a major row between management and warders who have demanded increased security to deal with alleged loyalist terrorist threats.

Even though some officers have remained in work, Mr Russell said police have also been brought into the regimes.

“A significant number of prisons staff have failed to complete their rostered duties this afternoon and the police service is now contributing to the day to day running of the prisons,” he disclosed.

The Director General also hit out at the Prison Officers Association, claiming union representatives were involved.

“I regard this as unofficial industrial action. It is simply not credible for the POA to suggest that this is unilateral action taken by prison officers without their approval,” he said.

“Staff were warned this morning of the consequences of leaving their posts.

“It is a breach of their terms and conditions of service and as such they will not be entitled to pay.”

Mr Russell added: “Modern industrial relations should be based on dialogue and co-operation that is the way these matters will be resolved.

“Nothing will be achieved by coercion.”

Finlay Spratt, chairman of the Prison Officers Association, insisted he knew nothing in advance about the action.

But he said: “I fully support any decision they have made.

“If they are stressed out and sick, they have my utmost sympathy. This was to show Government and management that they had had enough.”

Prison sources claimed at least 60% of officers who were on duty at Maghaberry, Magilligan and the Hydebank Young Offenders Centre near Bangor, Co Down, had walked out.

“They left for their lunch break and didn’t bother coming back,” one said.