MPs support prisons strike ban
MPs have voted in support of a ban on strikes by prison officers
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Wednesday, 09, Jan 2008 07:34
MPs have today voted to ban strikes by prison officers as part of an amendment to the criminal justice bill.
Justice secretary Jack Straw said the government had been "reluctantly compelled" to seek the ban after the disruption caused by 20,000 prison officers staging wildcat strikes last summer.
The government and Prison Officers' Association (POA) have until May 8th to reach a voluntary agreement but today's vote gives the government "reserve powers" to enforce a legal ban.
MPs voted 481 to 46 in favour of the ban following a tense debate in the House of Commons.
Mr Straw told MPs that industrial action by prison officers risks public safety and prisoners' welfare.
A ban on prison strikes was last introduced by former Conservative home secretary Michael Howard in 1994 but this was overturned by then Labour home secretary David Blunkett.
In place was a voluntary 'no strike' agreement, which lasted until last summer's strikes.
Shadow justice spokesman Nick Herbert said today's decision was a "humiliating" U-turn by the government.
Mr Straw commented: "I would much prefer us never to have to use [reserve powers] and that remains my intention. We will do everything we can to gain a new agreement.
"This is the minimum required to protect the public and the welfare of prisoners."