Keith Dickinson, West London Socialist Party
Over 100 staff from all sections of the POA, including governors, walked out of Wormwood Scrubs Prison, West London, on 30 June for a lunchtime protest meeting.
All of them are affected by the pension cuts and are angry about the other cuts in their living standards. They also wanted to express their solidarity with those public sector workers in PCS, UCU, NUT and ATL on strike against attacks on their pensions.
Alan Gourley, the chair of the POA in the prison conducted the meeting outside the gates. In a very good speech he clearly summed up the members’ views, judging by his reception.
He said he couldn’t imagine prison officers being able to do their job until they are 66.
At present there is provision for early retirement due to ill health but that can and has been violated by something called a Medical Efficiency clause which is then used to get rid of workers on a much reduced allowance.
Presently they are faced with a government dictat not negotiations. It is not a strong government and has already been forced into u-turns.
“Our pressure can tell”, Alan said. He hoped the Socialist could give their voice a hearing as none of the other press had shown an interest.
I also spoke, bringing greetings, solidarity and congratulations from the Socialist Party, West London branch and nationally.
