Hundreds to strike at Sydney prison over safety concerns
Hundreds of prison officers in western Sydney will begin strike action today over growing concerns for their safety.
Early today the guards from Parklea Correctional Centre started 48 hours of industrial action and the striking officers will form a 90-minute picket line from 7.30am.
The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) claims Parklea prison has the worst record for serious assaults on prison officers in the state.
READ MORE: Body found in search for missing Gold Coast woman Wendy Sleeman
Prison officers at Parklea Correctional Centre in western Sydney are holding 48 hours of strike action from January 27, 2023. (Photo: Janie Barrett) Nine
Union leaders say the Parklea officers are routinely asked to work understaffed, especially on weekend and are the worst paid prison officers in Australia.
In July 2021 a riot by inmates at the prison caused millions of dollars in damages.
The maximum security men's prison is privately run by American multinational MTC.
CPSU New South Wales assistant general secretary Troy Wright said prison officers have serious concerns for their personal safety and their morale is at "rock bottom".
"Oarklea Prison has the worst record for serious assaults on prison officers in NSW, and the second worst rate of assaults amongst inmates.
READ MORE: Russian missile strikes on Kyiv leave at least 11 dead
Unions say Parklea Correctional Centre has one of the worst safety records in Australia for prison officers. AAP
"We have recently seen a riot at Parklea prison where prisoners started huge fires and ran around on the roof causing $8 million in damage.
"In the last year there have been three deaths at Parklea Prison."
The union is calling for the NSW government to directly intervene in the dispute.
READ MORE: Asteroid the size of a delivery truck coming exceedingly close to Earth, but will miss
Sign up here to receive our daily newsletters and breaking news alerts, sent straight to your inbox.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
