Qld private prison strike

Date: 08 February 2004

LHMU members employed as prison officers commence strike action over enterprise bargaining at the privatised prison Borallon Correctional Centre, Ipswich, from Monday February 9th.

The Queensland State Government contracts out the operation of the prison to US company Management and Traing Corporation (MTC) of Utah. MTC is among the top for-profit private prisons operators in the world - the second or third biggest operator of private prisons in the USA.

With 492 inmates MTC Pty.Ltd, has managed and operated the Borallon Correctional Centre since September 2000.

Enterprise bargaining between LHMU and MTC commenced more than six months ago, in August 2003. The previous enterprise agreement expired in January 2004 and negotiations have not concluded a replacement agreement.

LHMU members are pursuing a 6% annual wage increase, income protection insurance and paid parental leave as part of a projected two year package of employment conditions.

MTC told LHMU that the government contract provides only 1.9% increase per year to the private company, which is insufficient to fund union claims

" LHMU has heard all this before. We fight for our members and if a US company has to make less profit, so be it," LHMU Queensland Private Prisons Co-Ordinator Ron Simon said.

The US based company has also demanded that LHMU members take a cut in their sick leave entitlements from 8 days per year, to 6 days per year.

"Our members work 12 hours shifts, day and night, 7 days a week, the company demand to slash sick leave entitlements below community standards is simply unrealistic in the circumstances," Ron Simon said.

Negotiations are continuing against the backdrop of escalating strike action. LHMU members will lock down prisoners on Monday February 9th and Tuesday February 10th and walk out for two hour stoppages. Further stoppages will occur the following week to consider the companyÆs response.

LHMU and MTC meet for further talks on Wednesday February 11th.

"LHMU members will decide what is a fair, acceptable package," Mr Simon said.

DETAILS OF STOP WORK MEETINGS AND PICKETS

Ivan Lane comes off the Brisbane Valley and Esk turn off the Ipswich freeway.

The picket will be set up from 8:45am. (Members will stop work at 8am and hear a report from union officials before proceeding to the picket.)

Dates: Monday February 9th and Tuesday February 10th 2004.

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

For further information contact:

Ron Simon on 0419 744 878 or 3016 2602

For further information

Contact:	Andrew Casey
Union:	Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union
Phone:	8204 7206
Fax:	92821 4480
Email:	andrewc@lhmu.org.au
WWW:	http://www.lhmu.org.au/

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