Prisons union challenges double bunking judgment

The Corrections Association is challenging an Employment Court judgment allowing greater use of double bunking in prisons.

The union argued at the court last month that its collective agreement would be breached by wider use of double bunking.

The court rejected the argument, and the Corrections Association is now seeking leave to appeal the judgment.

Corrections Minister Judith Collins told Radio New Zealand prisons around the country would run out of beds next month, and the Government would "push ahead" with plans for double bunking at four of the country's newest prisons.

She said the Employment Court decision would stand unless the Corrections Association successfully appealed.

Corrections Association president Beven Hanlon said the Employment Court judgment was "left-field", and the association had enlisted a Queen's Counsel as it sought leave to appeal.

"This is a major part of our collective agreement," he said.

Mr Hanlon said there were 1000 beds still available in prisons, and they "won't run out".

- NZPA