Members at Clarence Correctional Centre celebrated the first anniversary of the Enterprise Agreement covering the private gaol.

“Representatives from the CPSU NSW attended Clarence Correctional Centre over two days to hold a barbeque for members to start the Enterprise Bargaining conversation,” said Industrial Manager Nathan Bradshaw, who was part of the delegation. “This was well received from members after the success of the first Enterprise Agreement.”

The current Enterprise Agreement covering employees at the prison, which is the largest in the country, was finalised in 2023 after months of negotiations.

“Our members in Clarence were initially looking at working for barely above minimum wage,” said PSA CPSU NSW Assistant General Secretary Troy Wright. “Wages were comparable to working at Bunnings, only you don’t deal with convicted felons held in maximum security in your average hardware store aisle.

“The CPSU NSW negotiated long and hard for better wages and better conditions for the staff in this prison.

“The resulting Enterprise Agreement has been in place for a year and we are now about to commence bargaining again on behalf of our members.

“The CPSU NSW will always fight on its members’ behalf.”