Hundreds of Immigration Detention Services Officers (DSOs) walked off the job for two-hour periods on 11 and 12 June in the most serious industrial action to hit Australia’s detention network since 2019. In a media release, the United Workers Union accused new contractor Secure Journeys – a US-based private-prison operator that took over the A$2.3 billion management contract last year – of importing “US-style labour practices”, slashing staffing levels and keeping wages below comparable security roles. DSOs say chronic understaffing has forced some to work 11 twelve-hour shifts in a 15-day block, creating fatigue they argue endangers both staff and detainees. The union claims more than ten rounds of bargaining have failed to secure pay parity or safe rosters. Rolling stoppages are scheduled from 5-7 am and 5-7 pm in every state until the employer returns with an improved offer. Business impact is indirect but real: Australian Border Force must draft managers to cover essential security tasks, potentially delaying detainee transfers, removals and on-site immigration interviews. Law firms warn that any backlog could slow the processing of protection-visa and character-cancellation cases, affecting corporate clients whose sponsored employees end up in detention. Mobility teams should anticipate possible schedule changes if staff need to attend on-site hearings or VEVO interviews inside facilities. Companies with contractors working in detention-centre maintenance or catering should check contingency plans for entry delays during strike windows. Secure Journeys has not commented publicly on the claims but is believed to be meeting with the Fair Work Commission early next week. The government, which insourced detention-centre contracts in 2025 before re-tendering them, faces pressure to enforce minimum staffing ratios in any future agreement.
Source: United Workers Union
