Prison Officers' Dispute Ends

Industrial action among NI prison officers has been averted.

Thanks to eleventh-hour talks involving NIO Prisons' Minister Paul Goggins agreement has now been reached between Prison Service management and the Prison Officers Association (POA) on the way forward.

The agreement was endorsed this morning by the POA's Area Committee so that members can return to normal working arrangements tomorrow.

The deal saw both parties reaching agreement to review the operation of Code of Conduct and Discipline and check that it was properly implemented in relation to a number of specific cases.

They will also begin a full consultation on the use of CCTV in prisons and continue with the agreed policy in relation to sick absence.

In addition, the Minister has indicated that - particularly in the light of recent critical reports about the Prison Service - it is essential that industrial relations in Northern Ireland Prisons are radically improved.

He has said that all involved need to focus fully on the scope for urgent reform and improvement.

He said that he will be convening further discussions in September.

As related on 4ni.co.uk yesterday, the issues at the centre of the withdrawal of goodwill related to application of the Code of Conduct and discipline and sick absence procedures.

These have been exacerbated by both two tragic prisoner suicides and a report slamming procedures in Maghaberry in particular.

However, last month, POA members voted 71% in favour of industrial action up to and including strikes.

See: Bid To Halt Prison Strike Looks Positive

(BMcC/JM)