Talks to resolve prison impasse

The two unions representing staff at Hobart's Risdon Prison will hold talks with managers later this week to try to resolve a dispute over budget cuts.

The Community and Public Sector and Miscellaneous Workers unions believe a new roster system proposed by the Justice Department will endanger the safety of inmates and prison officers.

They told a State Industrial Commission hearing in Hobart today the changes breach the award conditions of their members, who are also having caps placed on overtime.

David O'Byrne of the Miscellanous Workers Union says Risdon Prison staff are already under pressure, without the prospect of further lockdowns.

The unions argue the prison service should be exempt from budget cuts being imposed because of the global financial crisis.

But the Government's representative, Phillip Baker, says the dispute is not about axing overtime or putting further strains on staff.

He says it is a result of the current financial climate, which is not the government's fault.

The two parties have been ordered to report back to the Industrial Commission on Monday.

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Tue 24th February 2009 - 09:16pm