Corrections union says fuel crisis worsening prison staffing shortages

The union representing prison staff said the Department of Corrections is not prepared for the fuel crisis, making existing staffing woes worse.

Corrections Association of New Zealand (CANZ) President Floyd du Plessis said members were struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, exacerbated by increasing fuel prices linked to global supply pressures.

He said prisons were often located outside major centres, forcing many staff to travel long distances to work.

"We have had staff specifically say that, and staff that are actively busy leaving and looking to leave, because of the cost of living, and the fact that they're undervalued and underpaid, and this is making it worse," du Plessis said.

The union said it had asked Corrections to consider measures, including staff shuttle vans, fuel assistance and expanded work-from-home arrangements for non-custodial staff.

Du Plessis said many office-based prison staff proved they could work remotely during the Covid-19 pandemic, and argued flexible arrangements would reduce both fuel costs and pressure on national fuel supplies.

He claimed Corrections had so far failed to put forward a concrete response plan.

"At this stage, all that they've been willing to state is that they'll wait for a direction from the government."

The union also warned staffing shortages remained a concern inside prisons, despite some improvements over the past two years.

Du Plessis said prisons were still experiencing daily shortages among custodial officers, rehabilitation staff and health workers, leading to regular lockdowns and reduced rehabilitation services.

He warned that ongoing staffing pressures could have wider public safety consequences.

"If we don't fix the prisons, it means we're releasing prisoners without rehabilitation, without being given the skills to improve, and that puts risk in the community," he said.

Department of Corrections director of organisational resilience, learning and assurance Alex Povey said the organisation recognised that higher fuel costs were affecting their 11,000 staff.

Povey said Corrections was working with the wider public service to align with the government's fuel response plan, and had contacted the union to discuss concerns and possible solutions.

The department said planning was underway to maintain prison operations through all phases of the fuel response plan and rejected claims of a major staffing exodus.

''We have not observed any notable changes to staff turnover in recent months.''

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