Demand for Pay Rises for Inmates of Victorian Prisons

This letter, dated 19 September 1974, was issued by the Australian Building Construction Employees’ and Builders Labourers’ Federation and signed by General Secretary N.L. Gallagher. Addressed to Barry York of the Prisoners Action Committee, it endorses the group’s “Demand for Pay Rises for Inmates of Victorian Prisons.”

During the 1970s, Victorian prisons were under scrutiny for poor conditions, low inmate pay, and limited rehabilitation opportunities. Activist groups such as the Prisoners Action Committee—with members like Barry York—campaigned for reform and justice for prisoners. Their work often gained the support of trade unions and community organisations. By endorsing these demands, the Builders Labourers’ Federation highlighted how unions of the era extended solidarity beyond the workplace, recognising prisoner rights as part of the wider struggle for dignity, justice, and equality.

Held in Barry York Collection.