Summarised by Centrist
Corrections staff across New Zealand are taking an unprecedented step in threatening to strike, writes Chris Lynch in his article “Nationwide Crisis Looms as Corrections Staff Consider Strike Action”. The Corrections Association of New Zealand has sent strike notices to Chief Executive of the Department of Corrections Jeremy Lightfoot.
Both sides are currently in mediation, but if these efforts fail, the strike is planned to last just over 2 months. It will not be a complete work stoppage but a number of actions that hobble the system.
The strike is over a host of concerns including severe understaffing, safety challenges and a demand for wage increases to cope with inflation.
The strike will impact a number of correctional facilities across the country. The Department of Corrections has been actively attempting to address staffing challenges through recruitment and safety measures.