General News
24 December, 2024
Police continue to fight for fair pay and conditions
It's no secret that the Victorian Police Force is doing it tough with the government unwilling to negotiate a fair pay and conditions deal for their next EBA (enterprise bargaining agreement) with writing on vehicles on display for all to see.
More than 20 work stoppages have occurred around the state ,with members stopping work and meeting virtually in solidarity, as they push for a better pay and conditions deal.
One-member police stations also participated in this earlier this month with officers stopping work for half an hour, but still responding to calls.
There are 100 one-member police stations that look after around 60 per cent of the state.
Leading Senior Constable Shayne Riggall, assistant delegate to The Police Association of Victoria (TPAV) said currently police at one-member stations are protected from being moved back to fill vacancies at larger police stations.
"Victoria Police is trying to change this, and if successful we are fearful that our smaller communities will be left without a policing service, other than response to calls," he said.
"Police at single member police stations are passionate about their local communities, in which they live and work along with their families.
"This dispute has lingered for 18 months and is becoming progressively more bitter."
TPAV is seeking a six per cent per annum pay increase for its members over the next four years and an end to unpaid work.
"These members carry a lot of responsibility and all they want is for Victoria Police and the Government to acquit some of their responsibility to their police, by coming to the negotiating table and discussing a revised offer that would help retain the current experience in the force and help attract the next generation," TPAV secretary Wayne Gatt said.
Western Region Division Four Superindentent Sharon McCrory assured the community that community safety is still their number one priority.
"The safety of our community will not be impacted by this," she said.
"If you call, we will still respond."
Last month, Victoria Police applied to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) for an Intractable Bargaining Declaration, asking the Commission to take over the unresolved EBA dispute.
The Police Association fought the application and has urged Victoria Police and the Government to return to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair outcome for its members.
The FWC is due to hand down its decision by the end of this year.