The United Workers Union (UWU) has ramped up industrial action, announcing nationwide stoppages at immigration detention centres as the dispute over pay and redundancies with outgoing contractor Serco continues to escalate.
After a successful strike at Melbourne Immigration Detention Centre last week, UWU is urging its members to vote in a new Protected Action Ballot (PAB) before it closes on 24 February to authorise further action against Serco.
The industrial action follows months of tension after British multinational Serco lost its contract to operate Australia’s six detention centres to American firm Secure Journeys late last year.
Serco informed staff they would need to resign in order to secure employment with the new operator, a move the UWU says is misleading and designed to avoid redundancy payouts. UWU has taken the matter to the Fair Work Commission, arguing Serco is intentionally delaying negotiations to minimise severance costs.
UWU national secretary Tim Kennedy said workers overwhelmingly voted for industrial action, with 96% in favour of striking.
“Serco has deliberately misled workers on redundancy entitlements and refused to offer a fair pay increase,” Kennedy said.
“This wouldn’t be happening if massive multinationals prioritised their workers over profits.”
Union officials have also gathered nearly 1,000 signatures for an open letter to Immigration Minister Tony Burke, seeking government intervention in the dispute.
Meanwhile, Serco has warned its managers to prepare for disruptions and has offered additional payments to non-union staff willing to work extra shifts.
“We are actively supporting employees who wish to apply for roles with the new operator,” Serco stated.
“All employees will be paid their entitlements in accordance with the law.”
Despite the looming strikes, UWU remains firm in its stance. Kennedy warned:
“If an agreement isn’t reached, industrial action will continue across the country.”
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