Following a full round of Ratification Meetings at New Zealand’s Prisons, Members of the Corrections Association of New Zealand (CANZ) have voted overwhelmingly to accept pay increases ranging from 3% to 20%. (weighted average of approx 14.5%).

The Union (CANZ) has been actively involved in managing the record high numbers of inmates currently serving time in New Zealand Prisons, and has at times struggled with short staffing during the Muster Crisis.

CANZ National President, Beven Hanlon said today that the issues of Recruitment and Retention of Corrections Staff should improve with the increase to Prison Staff remuneration.

Beven Hanlon said the Unions Negotiators had argued strongly on the issues of recruitment and retention, but had met with resistance to that argument from the Department of Corrections Representatives, who insisted that the Union agree to manage the Prisons over their recognised Operating Capacities before they would agree to any wage increases.

Beven Hanlon stated that the Union Members have agreed to deliver an over muster situation in order to lock these wage increases permanently into their salaries. As well as the salary increases there were a number of other minor improvements to the Collective Agreement.

This media release was written and authorised by the CANZ National Officers.
Contact Beven Hanlon 0274 380 442