WHEN: 11am Wednesday 15 December 2021

WHERE: Risdon Prison Complex, Risdon Vale

WHAT: Doorstop following industrial action by approximately 150 correctional officers. This morning correctional officers from Tasmanian Prison Service (TPS) stopped work to demand TPS take real action to fix the understaffing and safety issues.

WHO: Correctional Supervisor and United Workers Union Delegate Phil Pregnell, United Workers Union spokesperson Rhiannon Salter and TPS workers.

Quotes attributable to United Workers Union spokesperson Rhiannon Salter:

“United Workers Union members are angry their health and safety is being put at risk every day because TPS cut corners and are understaffed. Correctional officers are caught in a vicious cycle where injuries to staff result in staff shortages, which then result in more injuries to staff.

“Following years of no real support or rehabilitation for injured officers and no commitment from management to improve the workplace, workers took industrial action today.

“Five months ago, Minister for Corrections Elise Archer met with union members at a crisis meeting, but seven committee meetings have occurred since and there is still no plan to get TPS safely staffed. When you fail correctional officers, you fail inmates and the community.”

ENDS

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