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29/07/2009
Prison Officers' Dispute Ends
Industrial action among NI prison officers has been averted.
Thanks to eleventh-hour talks involving NIO Prisons' Minister Paul Goggins agreement has now been reached between Prison Service management and the Prison Officers Association (POA) on the way forward.
The agreement was endorsed this morning by the POA's Area Committee so that members can return to normal working arrangements tomorrow.
The deal saw both parties reaching agreement to review the operation of Code of Conduct and Discipline and check that it was properly implemented in relation to a number of specific cases.
They will also begin a full consultation on the use of CCTV in prisons and continue with the agreed policy in relation to sick absence.
In addition, the Minister has indicated that - particularly in the light of recent critical reports about the Prison Service - it is essential that industrial relations in Northern Ireland Prisons are radically improved.
He has said that all involved need to focus fully on the scope for urgent reform and improvement.
He said that he will be convening further discussions in September.
As related on 4ni.co.uk yesterday, the issues at the centre of the withdrawal of goodwill related to application of the Code of Conduct and discipline and sick absence procedures.
These have been exacerbated by both two tragic prisoner suicides and a report slamming procedures in Maghaberry in particular.
See: Bid To Halt Prison Strike Looks Positive
(BMcC/JM)
Thanks to eleventh-hour talks involving NIO Prisons' Minister Paul Goggins agreement has now been reached between Prison Service management and the Prison Officers Association (POA) on the way forward.
The agreement was endorsed this morning by the POA's Area Committee so that members can return to normal working arrangements tomorrow.
The deal saw both parties reaching agreement to review the operation of Code of Conduct and Discipline and check that it was properly implemented in relation to a number of specific cases.
They will also begin a full consultation on the use of CCTV in prisons and continue with the agreed policy in relation to sick absence.
In addition, the Minister has indicated that - particularly in the light of recent critical reports about the Prison Service - it is essential that industrial relations in Northern Ireland Prisons are radically improved.
He has said that all involved need to focus fully on the scope for urgent reform and improvement.
He said that he will be convening further discussions in September.
As related on 4ni.co.uk yesterday, the issues at the centre of the withdrawal of goodwill related to application of the Code of Conduct and discipline and sick absence procedures.
These have been exacerbated by both two tragic prisoner suicides and a report slamming procedures in Maghaberry in particular.
See: Bid To Halt Prison Strike Looks Positive
(BMcC/JM)
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The Labour Relations Commission (LRC) has stepped into the fray between management and unions at Bus Éireann. Talks are due to begin talks today in a bid to resolve a dispute over the company's tough cost-cutting plans. A planned strike over the €30m cutbacks was called off last week after the LRC invited both sides to discussions.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
