Vic max security prisoners strike over pay

Inmates at Victoria's maximum security prison are refusing to work over changes to their pay.

Prisoners at Victoria's maximum security Barwon Prison are striking over their pay.

Some inmates are refusing to work because of new employment arrangements, which bring Barwon in line with other Victorian prisons.

Victoria's prison system has been moving to scaled pay of $8.95, $7.75 or $6.50 per day, depending on the degree of responsibility, complexity and hours worked.

"This is the culmination of a lengthy process across the prison system. Some Barwon prisoners have refused to work, but this has been managed without incident," a Corrections Victoria spokesman said in a statement on Tuesday.

It's understood those who refuse to work are being kept in their cells.

All prisoners in Victoria, other than those who are elderly or unable to work, are required to be employed.

Work provides skills to help prisoners find jobs when they are released from custody, and reduces the risk of reoffending, the spokesman said.