Prisoners at Wandoo Reintegration Facility in Perth are being treated to sirloin steaks and high tea for Christmas, angering staff who are still fighting for a pay rise.
West Australian Prison Officers' Union secretary John Welch says the minimum security facility's Christmas program for inmates includes film nights, cross fit classes and reality television inspired competitions such as Wandoo's Got Talent.
He said the union was not opposed to private contractor Serco providing treats for prisoners at Christmas, but questioned the company's priorities given the lingering pay dispute.
"If Serco can afford to provide sirloin steaks and high teas for prisoners, while at the same time telling staff it can't afford to give them a proper pay rise, then something is drastically wrong," Mr Welch said.
WAPOU and the Community and Public Sector Union/Civil Service Association have asked for a pay rise of 3.75 per cent a year over three years, while Serco has offered 2.8 per cent, 2.9 per cent and three per cent.
But Serco says its offer is almost double current CPI and all terms agreed with the union three years ago were being maintained or enhanced such as increased allowances and the introduction of paid parental leave and flexible work arrangements.
A spokesman denied the Christmas activities were "special", saying they were part of maintaining a level of interaction between prisoners and their families to reduce re-offending.
He said Christmas was a high risk time for prisoners and activities were scheduled to try to mirror society and manage safety, security and prisoner welfare.
"Family play a very important role in reintegration and we support visits over this period so that residents can see their children, partners, parents and siblings," he said.
"We also provide increased support services during this period like Narcotics Anonymous, non-smoking programs, storybook dads where our residents can read to their children, and health and welfare activities to manage the heightened risk."
There were no extra expenses and all food and activities were within the current budget, the spokesman added.
Staff are planning to take protected industrial action on Monday, but Serco does not expect it to significantly effect the running of the facility.
