Unions reach breakthrough EBA with Serco at Acacia Prison

The WA Prison Officers’ Union said it was pleased staff at the privately run Acacia prison had voted overwhelmingly to accept an EBA offer from their employer, Serco.

WAPOU Secretary John Welch said he was delighted that 83% of staff at the prison voted to accept the new agreement.

“WAPOU and the CPSU/CSA have been negotiating this agreement with Serco for over 6 months now, and we are very glad that an outcome has been reached without the need for any industrial action,” said Mr Welch.

Mr Welch said the negotiations had focused on conditions, not pay.

“Members voted overwhelmingly to reject the company’s first offer because it diminished the rights of the unions to represent them in the workplace.

“Under this new EBA, the company has agreed to allow the unions to be consulted on matters such as staffing, which is quite a breakthrough.”

Mr Welch said the new agreement would pave the way for a better working relationship with Serco and allow WAPOU to better represent Prison Officers at Acacia.

“We are delighted that members have achieved a great outcome, which is a benchmark between private sector prison providers and unions.”

The new EBA has also granted staff a wage rise of 4 - 4.25% a year over three years.