Northern Ireland

Prison officers hold industrial action at Maghaberry

Prison officers took industrial action this morning
Prison officers took industrial action this morning Prison officers took industrial action this morning

Prison officers delayed starting work at Maghaberry this morning in a dispute over pay.

The industrial action was exclusive to the high-security prison.

A NI Prison Service spokeswoman said it has held meetings with the Department of Justice and trade unions to discuss the matter.

“Some staff took unauthorised action for a short time this morning at Maghaberry but this has now ended and the prison regime has returned to normal," she said.

“Discussions have been taking place in recent months between NIPS and DOJ senior managers and the trade unions on a 2016 pay award for prison grades. 

"The minister has met the POA (Pirson Officers Association) and advised them that she is in discussions with her ministerial colleague, the finance minister”.