Industrial action by custody staff at Westgate continued over the weekend due to a dispute over staff shortages.

The sit-out, which began on Friday, is expected to carry on through today when the Department of Corrections leadership will meet with the Prison Officers Association again.

Acting Prison Commissioner Kenneth Cann told The Royal Gazette last night that the prison was running smoothly.

“We did have staff report for work over the weekend; and the safety and security of the prison has been maintained,” he said.

“The inmates are co-operating, although we did have to turn back visitors over the weekend. Their visits will be rescheduled. The action has also meant that prisoners have not been getting their outside recreation.

“There are talks scheduled for tomorrow and we hope we can bring some resolution to this situation.”

On Friday, the Ministry of National Security confirmed that staff shortages at the facility was one of reasons for the industrial action.

Timothy Seon, of the POA, told The Royal Gazette that there were also health, safety and security concerns that have resulted in a lack of staff.

Wayne Caines, the Minister of National Security, has met with the senior team of the Department of Corrections and pledged to renew efforts to deal with staff shortages at the earliest available opportunity.