Tuesday 1 August 2023
Late this afternoon the Department of Justice announced a new salary classification structure for Youth Custodial Officers. The outcome follows industrial action in March, a new pay and conditions offer being agreed to by CPSU/CSA members in April and ongoing discussion with the Department and Union Delegates.
CPSU/CSA Branch Secretary, Rikki Hendon, said this is a significant win for Youth Custodial Officers, who have fought for proper recognition of their work to address serious understaffing at WA’s youth custodial estates.
“Youth Custodial Officers in Western Australia have had a significant win this week in ongoing discussions on how to solve the crisis in the state’s youth justice system. This recognition takes positive steps to ensure YCOs are properly compensated for their work to rehabilitate some of our state’s most vulnerable young people.
“In the last four months, union members at Banksia Hill Detention Centre and Unit 18 have won important improvements to their workplace health and safety, pay and conditions. There is still work to be done, but this reclassification and the safety document secured in April are two significant steps forward in addressing the ongoing crisis at Banksia Hill.
"A safe Centre for everyone has been at the core of our members' fight, and being able to attract and retain staff is critical to achieving this.
“The CPSU/CSA welcomes this recognition from the Department of Justice, Minister Papalia, and the Cook Government more broadly that more action was needed to attract and retain Youth Custodial Officers at Banksia Hill."
ENDS
- The offer for the salary reclassification came from the Department of Justice during the “drafting” period, which takes place after in principle agreement but prior to registration of the new agreement.
- The salary reclassification will replace the previously agreed “negotiated allowance” in the previous offer.
- The CPSU/CSA negotiates and advocates for the pay, conditions and workplace health and safety of around 200 Youth Custodial Officers and other support staff at Western Australia’s youth custodial estates.
- The CPSU/CSA covers 44,000 general public sector workers including child protection officers, youth custodial officers, park rangers, environmental regulators and dental technicians.
For more information or to arrange further comment from Branch Secretary Rikki Hendon, please contact CPSU/CSA Reception on 08 9323 3800 and ask for the Media and Stakeholder Engagement Officer.
