WA court chaos as security, prisoner transfer staff to stop as part of Transport Workers Union pay dispute

WA’s justice system is set to grind to a halt on Friday, as 200 courthouse security and custodial transfer officers stop work over a pay fight with the Cook Labor Government. The staff — represented by the Transport Workers Union — are responsible for the security of WA courts, and getting prisoners to hearings and appointments. The eight-hour stop work action is set to cause headaches in most courts across the State and some prisons on Friday. TWU WA secretary Tim Dawson claimed the workers — under a contract with service company Ventia — earned up to 24 per cent less than peers under similar agreements at the Central Law Court and District Court in the city. Mr Dawson said members would maintain watch over prisoners already in hospital “Our members perform one of the toughest and most critical jobs in the justice system, but their pay and conditions fail to reflect the importance of their work,” he said. “We’ve seen endless delays and broken promises. With the state election just weeks away, the time for excuses is over. These workers won’t stop until they get the respect they deserve. “This Government has the power to end this dispute today. It’s time to prioritise the safety and fairness these officers have been fighting for.” More to come