Prison Officers to Protest Over Unpaid Wages and Heavy Workloads
Junior officers at His Majesty’s Prison have announced plans to commence protest action next week over unpaid salary increases and unresolved operational concerns.
In a formal letter addressed to Superintendent Lt. Col Trevor Pennyfeather, the officers stated that they would begin industrial action on Monday, 3 February 2025, and continue until their demands are met.
The officers claim that a promised salary increase of $400, retroactive to November 2024, has not been honoured. They are also calling for the full disbursement of a double salary payment due by 31 December 2024, citing discrepancies where some officers received the payment while others did not.
Disparity Between Junior and Senior Officers
The letter highlights frustrations over the disparity between junior and senior officers, particularly in workload and responsibilities. It argues that while senior officers typically work five-day shifts and are exempt from public holiday and weekend duties, junior officers endure double and triple shifts, bearing the brunt of prison operations.
The officers further criticised what they described as a lack of leadership from senior staff, claiming that they rarely participate in the prison’s daily management. This, they said, has created a demotivating work environment and widened divisions between junior and senior ranks.
Call for Resolution
In their letter, the junior officers questioned the decision to withhold their promised salary increase on the grounds of “perceived unfairness,” arguing that such a decision falls outside the superintendent’s purview.
They emphasised the risks they face daily, including managing inmates with mental health challenges, performing escort duties, and ensuring security, often without adequate training or support.
The officers warned that unless their concerns are addressed, they will proceed with their planned protest action indefinitely.
The letter was copied to National Security Minister Mr. Stedroy Benjamin and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security.
There has been no immediate response from prison authorities or government officials.
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The protest by prison officers over unpaid wages and heavy workloads is a rightful call for attention to the challenges they face. Their dedication to maintaining safety and order within the prison system deserves to be met with fair compensation and support. However, the fact that it has escalated to a protest suggests that dialogue and action from the government have been lacking. The authorities must prioritize resolving these issues quickly, so officers can focus on their important work without the stress of financial and workload concerns.
The government needs to ensure that the conditions of public servants, especially in essential roles like this, are addressed before such situations escalate. Regular reviews of wages and workloads could prevent future unrest.