Private prison locks out guards

Date: 08 January 2003

A lock out of prison guards at the Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre private prison in Brisbane could result in prisoners being confined to cells; significant court delays and a cessation of prison visits.

The union representing the guards is angry about plans put forward by their employer, Australasian Correctional Management, to use prison labour to increase their profits.

This follows a strategy first established by ACM's parent company in America, Wackenhut, where prisoners are supplied to private enterprise to make cheap manufactured products.

Industrial action starts today

Guards commenced industrial action today (Jan 8) in the form of a "work to rule" once the mandated enterprise bargaining "peace obligation" period came to an end.

" Australasian Correctional Management have threatened to stand down our people, without pay, and institute a lock-out even though union members are acting within their legal rights," Ron Monaghan, the Queensland LHMU Secretary, said today.

The 300 prison guards have announced a 24 hour stoppage for next Monday (January 13).

" But the LHMU has vowed to bring the work stoppage forward if any guards are stood down by the company.

Trying to negotiate agreement

" Correctional officers and security guards have been attempting to negotiate a new agreement to replace the 3 year agreement, which expired on December 31st 2002.

" Prison officers are pursuing a list of claims, which includes amongst other things, an 18 month duration new agreement, a 7.5% or $52.00 per week pay increase, common classification structure and improved job security."

ACM have offered 2% or (CPI - 1%) whichever is greater per year.

ACM have recently contracted a 10 year preferred tendering arrangement with the Queensland Government to run the prison.

ACM tries to recoup profits out of guards and prisoners

" The LHMU believes that ACM is taking a tough line against its workers so they can recoup some of the profit they have lost in tough negotiations with the State Government who have screwed down on the tender price.

" We do not see why our members should pay for tough talks between this private company and the State Government," Ron Monaghan, the Queensland LHMU Secretary, said.

" ACM have also proposed to the union to cut staff and employ inmates in unpaid work in kitchens and other areas where prison officers would normally do the work.

" Again it is a basic principle of the union movement that prisoners should not be used to undermine the working conditions and wages of ordinary citizens.

Controversial Texas policy

ACM is a subsidiary of the controversial US-based Wackenhut Corporation which regularly uses prison labour in American prisons as part of its strategy to make a profit for its shareholders.

In Texas, Wackenhut prisons allow factories inside their facilities to employ prisoners in eyeglass, circuit board and valve manufacturing.

Local critics claim Wackenhut is using these prisoners as 'indentured slaves working under conditions that that the US government criticises in countries like China. "

ACM loses controversial refugee detention centre contracts

" The problems at Arthur Gorrie are erupting just as ACM has lost the contract to run the controversial refugee detention centres.

" A number of Arthur Gorrie based prison guards working at the Woomera Detention Centre and Baxter in South Australia have been given termination notices.

" To add to Arthur Gorrie woes, the LHMU is opposing the certification of a "non-union" agreement proposed to cover a handful of cooks at the prison.

" The Union maintains that the annualised salaries in the "non-union" agreement are about $4,000.00 per year below the Award," Ron Monaghan said.

The LHMU proudly represents around 130,000 hard working women and men throughout Australia

For further info:

Irene Monro, Queensland LHMU Assistant Secretary, 07 3016 2625 or 0419 767 786 or

John Spreckley, LHMU Research Officer 07 3016 2623 or 0419 732 078

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