Correctional Services National Commissioner Zach Modise has reiterated that the rights of inmates cannot be compromised. This follows “unprotected” strike action last week by correctional officials at Johannesburg and Bethal correctional centres. Labour organisations POPCRU and the Public Servants Association of South Africa (PSA) have distanced themselves from the strike.Last week warders at the Johannesburg prison embarked on a strike and demanded that Justice and Correctional Services Minister Michael Masutha hear their grievances.Male awaiting-trial detainees at the prison’s medium B section were not being transported to court‚ with warders complaining that the Department of Correctional Services had failed to properly compensate prison officials who qualified for benefits such as overtime pay‚ a danger allowance‚ new uniforms and promotions.In a statement issued by the Department of Correctional Services‚ Commissioner Modise has assured officials that their concerns are receiving urgent attention‚ and has called on them to adhere to lawful channels of communication.“The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is designated as an essential service. We‚ therefore‚ call upon all officials to follow lawful channels of communication‚ and not to embark upon any unlawful‚ and illegal‚ labour action.“The disruptive behaviour by certain officials to the systemic functioning of DCS compromises the basic human rights of inmates‚ as offenders have the right to conditions of detention that are consistent with human dignity.Action will be taken against officials who promote such unlawful‚ and unprofessional‚ conduct‚” said Modise.Modise said that he had again urged the department’s human resources division to be sensitive to the issues raised by officials which DCS‚ in certain instances‚ had not finalised.“DCS managers need to be alive to the frustrations of officials‚ which should equally frustrate management. Staff should not be afraid to raise issues in the appropriate manner‚ and those officials who remain unsatisfied at local‚ area and regional level are welcome to elevate their concerns to Head Office. As DCS‚ we remain committed towards ensuring that all issues raised by officials are speedily resolved‚” the commissioner said.Modise said that the department was currently engaging with POPCRU and PSA who were the recognised labour union representatives of DCS officials.“On 11 February 2013‚ a Ministerial Task Team (MTT) was established‚ during a Ministerial Consultative Forum‚ with POPCRU and PSA. The Task Team‚ comprising of representatives from DCS Management‚ POPCRU and PSA‚ was mandated to tackle a range of issues‚ in order to facilitate a sound union-management relationship within the Department. The MTT has since resolved a number of issues. However‚ there are certain matters which remain partially resolved or unresolved. Together‚ we will overcome the challenges‚” Modise said...