“This government and Ventia are simply delaying,” he said.
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About 100 Ventia workers rallied in front of a Supreme Court building in Perth on Friday holding placards saying “court custodial officers deserve safe wages” and “same job, same pay”.
Union organiser Kim Scarlett told the group the Justice Department had approached Ventia for a contract amendment.
“Which is progress but it’s not far enough,” he said.
“We’re in a cost of living crisis and they need to move their arse.”
The workers chanted, “Where’s our pay, no more delay” as a handful of police and members of the public looked on.
Premier Roger Cook previously said the government would work with the union for an outcome and he hoped the courts weren’t impacted by the action.
“We will continue to work with all unions in relation to any claims they might have in the context of a bargaining arrangement, or if they have any concerns around workplace safety,” he said.
The TWU said equivalent wages would attract and retain more experienced officers at Ventia, boosting safety for workers, prisoners and the public.
It hasn’t ruled out further industrial action and said it may also campaign against Labor MPs ahead of the March 8 state election to win a pay rise for its members.
Ventia workers previously undertook protected industrial action late in 2024 demanding Ventia and the WA government increase their offer.
The government extended Ventia’s contract to provide court security and custodial services in early 2023 for four years in a $229 million deal.
Ventia declined to comment.
AAP
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