Manawatu prison staff threaten to walk off the job

Manawatu Prison guards are threatening to walk off the job if there is no investigation into alleged security breaches, which they say are putting their safety at risk.

Guards belonging to the Corrections Association -- which represents more than 90 per cent of the guards at the high-medium-security prison -- have passed a rare vote of no confidence in prison management after two escapes, the Dominion Post reported today.

In one incident, a female guard was ordered to conduct a perimeter search of the jail without being told an inmate was on the loose.

Guards say that staff shortages and lack of communication from management has made their jobs more dangerous.

Patrols and cell checks have been cut out, and management has been accused of withholding intelligence about planned escapes and bullying staff.

Despite the prison's security rating, it had become standard practice to house maximum-security inmates there.

Department figures show 18 guards at Manawatu resigned, transferred or retired in 2005. Ninety-seven guards are employed at the prison.

Corrections Association president Beven Hanlon told the paper an initial investigation had attempted to blame one individual -- the union's site chairwoman -- which was "ridiculous".

The union was now "finally" in discussion with the department about resolving the grievances.

"But if things don't improve, next time we'll use the Health and Safety Act and walk off."

Public Prisons Service general manager Phil McCarthy said he had "absolute confidence" in Manawatu Prison management.

However, there were "communications issues" at the prison that needed to be addressed.

- NZPA