Jail strike ban 'breaches rights'

Justice Secretary Jack Straw said the ban on strikes is a "reserve power"

Prison officers are appealing to the European Court of Human Rights over legislation banning them from striking.

The Prison Officers Association (POA) said no other workers would tolerate conditions endured by their members.

The Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill, which has received Royal Assent, was introduced after the POA ended a voluntary agreement not to strike.

A Ministry of Justice spokeswoman said the restrictions complied with UK, European and international law.

Prison staff walked out in August 2007 over a decision to give public sector workers a 2.5% pay rise in two stages.

An injunction, brought by the government, was initially imposed by the High Court to halt the action until the new legislation was introduced.

Steve Cox, national vice-chair of the POA, said: "The government has run roughshod over our members. Recently, we had staff at Bedford Prison working late for no extra pay.

"What other workers would put up with conditions like that?

'Public safety'

"We're now lodging an application to the European Court of Human Rights. It's being completed at the moment and should be in front of the courts in a couple of months.

"We hope to prove that the government acted unlawfully because we receive absolutely no compensation for these restrictions."

The legislation prevents the POA from inducing, authorising or supporting any form of industrial action which would disrupt the operation of the Prison Service in England and Wales.

A Ministry of Justice spokeswoman said: "These provisions were amended in line with the Joint Committee on Human Rights recommendations to take into account human rights considerations.

"Public safety is our top priority. We cannot endanger other prison service staff, prisoners or other members of the public by leaving this essential public service vulnerable to further action."