Fed: Detention staff must be paid entitlements - union
CANBERRA, Dec 23 AAP - The federal government must ensure existing detention centrestaff are paid their entitlements before a new contractor takes over, a union said today.
The government announced yesterday it was negotiating with Group 4 Falck to take overthe running of Australian detention centres when its contract with Australasian CorrectionalManagement (ACM) expires.
The Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers' Union (LHMU) said ACM had refusedto pay their workforce the 2002 wage increase.
"They have been arguing with the union about it. It is more than 18 months since staffhave had a pay increase," LHMU spokeswoman Jo-anne Schofield said in a statement.
"We don't think that Group 4 Falck should inherit the problems created by ACM.
"Staff have endorsed work bans and industrial action to take place throughout Januaryto ensure that their 2002 wage increases are paid by ACM as well as ensure their entitlements."
Ms Schofield said union members were concerned the contract had been changed simplyon the basis of cost price.
"Cost price should not be the deciding factor," she said.
"The commonwealth should take a more hands-on attitude to regulate these service providersto ensure that both the detainees and the workforce can expect to live and work in safeand secure centres."
AAP dep/sek/sp
KEYWORD: DETENTION LHMU
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