Correctional Officers at Ravenhall and Fulham will walk off the job on Tuesday as part of their ongoing pay dispute with multinational prison operator GEO Group.

The for-profit American owned employer tried to stop the lawful action through the Fair Work Commission on Monday, but failed.

Staff will cease work at both sites for four hours in the morning, and again in the evening.

The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) will support members on the ground to form a picket line and will hold a community barbeque at both sites at 7am.

The escalation in protected industrial action is due to GEO Group failing to put a decent offer on the table since bargaining began late last year.

Many Correctional Officers only earn slightly more than the minimum wage and are fighting for a fair pay increase. CPSU members are asking for an 18% pay increase over three years. This modest and reasonable offer was rejected by GEO Group. 
 
Other major concerns for workers include parental leave – currently primary caregivers only have access to two weeks of paid parental leave which is significantly lower than the rest of the public service. As a compromise members proposed a small increase to eight weeks which has also been rejected. 

Staff don't make the decision to strike lightly. 

This could be resolved if GEO came to the table with a genuine, good faith offer that improves pay and conditions.

"GEO needs to realise: this isn’t America. Workers have rights, and their scare tactics won’t work here.”

"These are some of the hardest working but lowest paid people in Victoria. They are not asking for much, especially in the context of working for a multi-million-dollar company."

"We’re waiting to negotiate in good faith for a serious offer that actually improves pay and conditions, and respects the value of the work correctional staff do."

Media call: 14 July, 8.30am Corner Riding Boundary Road and Robinsons Road, Ravenhall