Laois prison officers could potentially go on strike amid pay dispute

Prison officers in Portlaoise could be going on strike as the National Executive Council of the Prison Officers Association (POA) is expected to hold a national ballot for industrial action this week.

The union is set to decide on potential industrial action, up to and including a strike, on Thursday, July 23 as formal talks have yet to begin on a new pay agreement after the previous pay sector pay deal expired at the end of June.

According to the union, the Government has failed to establish a clear basis for negotiations on a new pay agreement.

The POA has urged for prison officers’ pay to be kept in line with inflation, especially considering the rising concerns in prisons with escalating violence, drugs, and overcrowding.

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The POA has said that unless progress is made in talks with the Government, the executive is anticipated to approve a ballot and advise members to vote for industrial action.

This industrial action could potentially impact the hundreds of prison officers working at Portlaoise Prison.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers has said that the discussions around potential industrial action is unnecessary and the Government is eager to reach an agreement on public sector pay.

This comes as other unions such as Fórsa, SIPTU, INMO and Unite have called for similar ballots seeking an increase in pay.