Unions Demand Right to Strike for UK Prison Officers

Trade unions in the United Kingdom are intensifying their efforts to secure the right to strike for prison officers. At the annual Trades Union Congress (TUC) conference in Brighton on September 9, 2024, a motion was passed calling for the repeal of legislation that prohibits industrial action by prison staff.

The contentious law in question is Section 127 of the Criminal Justice Public Order Act 1994, which has been in effect for three decades. This statute makes it illegal to encourage prison officers to engage in or continue any form of industrial action.

Mark Fairhurst, national chairman of the Prison Officers Association (POA), expressed frustration with political parties' handling of the issue. He stated that Labour had previously supported repealing the legislation while in opposition but failed to include this commitment in their recent workers' rights reform package.

"Thirty years, 30 long years, we have been subject to Section 127 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act of 1994, and the last Labour Government in opposition assured us that if they got into power, they would repeal it. They failed us."

The ban on prison officer strikes has led to several legal confrontations between the POA and the government. In both 2016 and 2017, ministers successfully obtained High Court injunctions to prevent prison staff from staging what were deemed "unlawful" walkouts.

However, a potential breakthrough occurred in June 2024 when the European Court of Human Rights granted an application from the POA. The union views this development as a possible avenue for progress on the issue and hopes to initiate negotiations with the new government as an initial step.

The TUC's support for repealing the "pernicious" legislation underscores the importance of trade union rights, which are considered fundamental human rights by many international organizations. The right to strike, recognized in numerous countries as a basic worker's right, remains a contentious issue in the UK prison system.

This ongoing debate highlights the complex relationship between government and public sector unions, particularly in sensitive areas such as correctional facilities. Prison officers play a crucial role in maintaining order and security, making their labor rights a delicate balance between worker protections and public safety concerns.

As the discussion continues, the response of the current government to this renewed pressure will be closely watched. The outcome may have significant implications for labor relations in the UK's prison system and potentially influence broader discussions on public sector workers' rights.