Unity is Strength

In an admirable act of solidarity, Prison Officers exercised their legitimate right to withhold their labour and held a 24-hour strike. The Prison Officers Association called a national ‘wildcat’ strike, literally at a moments notice. Their organisation and unity is commendable. Of course, it is an entirely needless act. They were awarded 2.5% pay rise by an independent pay review body, which in an act of almost insidious provocation, the employers chose not to implement, paying only 1.5% immediately with the further 1% payable in 6 months. This has meant that the pay award will not be fully implemented. The government went to court to get an injunction against the union, as they are not permitted to strike in law. Jack Straw said that the union have acted illegally and their action was unjustified. It is true that the union acted illegally, but their action was certainly justified. When the union is barred from industrial action, it should be expected that the government is reciprocating and protect the rights of the workforce, instead of playing games with their pay and conditions.