Temperature testing in prisons

The focus of the union during these unprecedented times remains the safety and security of its members. WAPOU has been outspoken regarding the importance of maintaining strong measures to ensure our prison system remains COVID-19 free. For this reason, the union has provided in-principle support regarding the temperature testing of all people entering prisons.

WAPOU is disappointed however, that there was little, or no, consultation prior to the roll-out of Prisons Order No 02/2020. The lack of appropriate consultation has directly resulted in the process being the subject of an industrial dispute at Hakea Prison and a degree of confusion at other sites about who should be conducting the testing and what occurs should a staff member return a high temperature reading.

Over a week ago, WAPOU provided constructive feedback on the existing process to attempt to resolve the Hakea dispute and put in place protections for staff conducting the temperature testing and those that are the subject to the testing. To date there has been no meaningful response from the Department to that feedback.

WAPOU continues to be frustrated by the Department’s reluctance to meaningfully consult on issues of vital importance to our members.