POA challenge anti-trade union laws at European Court of Human Rights

January 23 Press release from the Prison Officers Association

The POA are delighted that the European Court of Human Rights have accepted the Unions application for restoration of Trade Union Rights. Successive Governments have enforced legislation prohibiting prison officers from taking legitimate industrial action.

Steve Gillan General Secretary of the POA stated:

“The Government have been directed to respond by the 4th May 2012 after our application was accepted by the European Court of Human Rights. I am pleased that this issue is moving forward to right a wrong on a basic human fundamental right that is denied to my membership. This obviously is the first of many hurdles but at least our application has been successful by being accepted”.

The POA has supplemented its application to Europe by having an Early Day Motion 2571 tabled in Parliament, seeking Members of Parliaments support in the restoration of those rights.