Latest editorial
Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer speaks during his visit to the Backstage Centre, Purfleet, for the launch of Labour's doorstep offer to voters ahead of the general election, May 16, 2024
THERE can be no “back-pedalling” on the New Deal for Workers, POA general secretary Steve Gillan warned Labour today at the union’s annual conference in Eastbourne.
Mr Gillan told shadow prison minister Ruth Cadbury that the prison officers’ union does not “forget easily,” referencing previous Labour prime minister Tony Blair’s breaking of a pledge to repeal anti-strike legislation.
Ms Cadbury told delegates that the government had failed to provide “serious answers” to problems of violence faced by prison officers, adding that the government had “more pilots than EasyJet,” rather than actions.
Our members face serious violence, crumbling workplaces and exposure to dangerous drugs — it is outrageous we still cannot legally use our industrial muscle to fight back and defend ourselves, writes STEVE GILLAN
MARK FAIRHURST highlights the main issues facing officers in a long neglected service, and raised by front-line delegates at POA conference last week, including understaffing, violence, bullying and the ongoing denial of workers’ right to strike
