Victorian prison guards strike over pay dispute with US operator

Correctional officers at two Victorian prisons, Ravenhall and Fulham, walked off the job today, initiating a four-hour strike starting at 6 am. This industrial action is part of an ongoing pay dispute with the American-owned company, GEO Group, which operates both facilities.

“

The idea that people doing this work are being paid on the [award wage], it boggles the mind.

The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) is leading the action, with members seeking an 18% pay increase over three years and an expansion of paid parental leave from two weeks to eight weeks. Bargaining discussions reportedly failed during a Fair Work Commission meeting yesterday, prompting the strike.

Kimberly Johnston, CPSU Victoria branch president, described the work performed by prison staff as highly skilled and "incredibly challenging." She expressed disbelief that workers are being paid on the award wage, highlighting the financial pressures many face, including rent and mortgage payments. "Getting a little bit of extra money is going to make all the difference," she stated.

“

Getting a little bit of extra money is going to make all the difference around the financial pressures that people are facing trying to pay rent, trying to make their mortgage payments, choosing whether they can put their kids into a particular sport or not.

Jiselle Hanna, CPSU branch secretary, criticized GEO Group's approach to negotiations, labeling their tactics as "scare tactics" that are ineffective in Australia. "GEO needs to realise, this isn't America, workers have rights, and their scare tactics won't work here," Hanna said. She emphasized that correctional staff are among the lowest-paid workers in Victoria, despite the multi-million-dollar company's profitability, and are seeking fair pay and conditions that respect the value of their work.

“

GEO needs to realise, this isn't America, workers have rights, and their scare tactics won't work here.