AWU Detention centre staff stoppage

Date: 24 September 2002

The Australian Workers' Union is investigating concerns from its members at Port Hedland detention centre that it is not safe for staff.

About 40 AWU detention centre staff stopped work this morning to talk about their safety and health concerns at the Port Hedland Immigration Reception and Processing Centre (IRPC).

AWU National secretary Bill Shorten said the workers were concerned about staffing levels, procedures for escorting asylum seekers and concerns that detainees were stockpiling home-made weapons.

"Our members' safety is the union's primary concern and they will not be returning to work until we are satisfied that their safety is not at risk,'' he said.

Mr Shorten said the union met with detention services provider, Australian Correctional Management (ACM) at 1pm (3pm EST) to work through the outstanding issues. Mr Shorten said talks had broken down and he would be flying to Port Hedland to address members at 8pm (10 EST).

AWU National occupational health and safety officer Dr Yossi Berger is working with staff to assess and document the perceived risks to workers' health and safety. He was not permitted access to inspect the site.

Dr Berger is assessing and documenting the perceived risk to staff after a mass meeting last night where staff outlined their concerns about their working conditions.

For further information

Contact:	Andrea Carson
Union:	Australian Workers Union (National Office)
Phone:	039 3298733
Contact Mobile:	0407 041933
Fax:	03 9329 2871
Email:	awu@iprimus.com.au
WWW:	www.awu.net.au

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