The Serco Clarence Correctional Supervisors Enterprise Agreement 2026 has successfully passed, with all voters ticking the yes box.

“Through months of negotiation, the CPSU NSW was able to receive an adequate offer from the British multinational that will aim to deliver wage growth, and revised conditions for leave and roster arrangements,” said Assistant General Secretary Troy Wright. “The deal improves the work environment and welfare of our Correctional Supervisors [CSs].”

The Enterprise Agreement confirms a 12 per cent pay increase across three years. With a 6 per cent component in the first year with an increase of hourly rate backdated to 31 March 2026. Then a 3 per cent increase in hourly rate 31 March 2027, then an additional 3 per cent increase in hourly rate 31 March 2028.

For employees undertaking higher duties, their pay was adjusted accordingly to the Functional Manager Salary, and eligible employees receiving backpay for periods in which they performed higher duties.

The deal includes a minimum seven-day notice period for roster adjustments, helping to establish a healthy work environment, building trust, and fewer disputes. Public holidays are now recognised per the National Employment Standards, which states “employees are entitled to a paid day off on each public holiday, employees who work a public holiday must be compensated with a penalty rate typically applied and, employees have the right to be absent during a public holiday”.

Emergency leave will be maintained, granting additional paid leave to employees, in the case of natural disaster or state emergency.

“Through the collective action and vital role of the CPSU NSW and members’ votes we have achieved fairer work conditions for the Clarence Correctional Supervisors,” said Mr Wright. “The approval of the new Enterprise Agreement marks a major step forward for workers by securing improvements to wages, rostering arrangements, and employment conditions.”

While urging members to support the agreement, Mr Wright said the prison ideally should be operated by Corrective Services NSW as a public-run gaol.
A May 2026 report by the McKell Institute, supported by the Public Service Association SA Branch, highlighted several systemic issues associated with the operation of privatised prisons.

These concerns directly related to Serco, the company which operates the Clarence Correctional Centre on behalf of the NSW Government, the last remaining private prisons in NSW. Parklea Correctional Centre returns to government ownership in October 2026.

“With concerns about Correctional Supervisors’ rights, the CPSU NSW urged system reform to ensure fair workplace practices,” said Mr Wright. “This push for reform helped shape expectations for stronger workplace protections and improved conditions. Serco’s new Enterprise Agreement reflects these demands, with significant improvements in pay and employment conditions.”