Goulburn prison officers are expected to return to work tonight and tomorrow following talks today.

Public Service Association general secretary Stewart Little said the union welcomed the “backdown.”

“This is a government that has consistently shown little regard for those who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe.

“This is a government which thinks the people who work for our state, including prison officers, TAFE staff, park rangers and more, are an inconvenience. The PSA will continue to support and fight for all NSW workers.”

He said all affected PSA members had been informed of Corrections Minister David Elliott’s and Attorney General Mark Speakman’s statement this afternoon.

Association Sub Branches still have to vote on the return to work but a spokesperson said members were appeased by the government’s move.

“There are ongoing concerns about staffing but the PSA’s main issue is that if a prison officer is bashed while on duty, there should be mandated sentences,” she said.

It’s unclear at this stage whether the Industrial Relations Commission will take action against workers who defied the return to work order today.

https://www.goulburnpost.com.au/story/5944011/government-backs-down-after-prison-officers-strike-rolling-updates/