Prison officers are taking legal action against the Government to reinstate their ability to strike, with strong support from various trade unions. The Prison Officers Association (POA) is calling on the Government to reconsider to avoid a potentially contentious situation in the European Court of Human Rights. Incidents of assaults on prison officers and inmate fatalities reached record levels in England and Wales last year, according to Ministry of Justice data, with a 7% increase in staff assaults and a nearly 30% rise in inmate deaths.
Following these disturbing events, the Howard League for Penal Reform urged the Government to step in to prevent further harm. The POA, along with the Trades Union Congress (TUC), General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU), and Trade Union Co-ordinating Group (TUCG), collectively wrote to the Prime Minister demanding that prison officers be granted their basic rights, including the right to strike.
These unions have united after a significant European Committee of Social Rights ruling found the UK in violation of its social charter obligations. The 1994 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, enacted under the Troy Government, removed the right to strike for prison officers. Despite promises from the Blair Labour Government to reinstate this right in England and Wales, the commitment was not fulfilled. The current Labour Government, led by Keir Starmer, has indicated that they will not reverse this legislation.
Steve Gillan, the general secretary of the POA, criticized the Labour Government for its stance, labeling it a betrayal of prison officers and a breach of trust with the trade union movement. Gillan emphasized the urgent need for action to address the escalating crisis faced by prison officers.
In a letter to the Government, the POA stressed that denying prison officers the right to strike is not just a legal matter but a question of fairness, safety, and respect. They highlighted the repercussions of maintaining the ban, including morale decline, recruitment challenges, and jeopardized prison system stability and safety.
The unions’ letter to the Prime Minister underscored the importance of restoring the right to strike for prison officers, emphasizing the dangerous nature of their work and its critical role in public safety. Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Justice, David Lammy, has informed the unions that he will uphold his predecessor’s decision not to reverse the ban and will contest their legal challenge.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson acknowledged the essential work carried out by prison officers and outlined measures to support and protect staff, such as a 3.5% pay increase for frontline workers, the introduction of pepper spray in prisons, investment in body armor, and training in Taser usage.
Overall, the plea for the reinstatement of the right to strike for prison officers continues amid ongoing government resistance and legal battles, reflecting the deep concerns and challenges faced by those working in the prison system.