Police union opposes move to involve Fair Work Commission in pay dispute

The police union has voted against a bid by force command to get the Fair Work Commission to end its ongoing pay dispute, with angry rank and file members saying they’re now “at war” with the top brass.

The police union has voted to formally oppose an application by Victoria Police to have the Fair Work Commission end its long running pay dispute.

A meeting of union delegates voted on Tuesday to oppose the move which force command had hoped would finally bring the matter to a head and end ongoing industrial action.

The delegates also passed a motion criticising Victoria Police for its treatment of rank and file members.

“That the meeting of delegates expresses its disappointment with the approach that Victoria Police leadership has adopted in this enterprise bargaining round and expresses its dismay at the manner on which our members continue to be treated during this process,” it read.

Victoria Police staged industrial action between December and May. Picture: Valeriu Campan

It comes after force command on Monday applied for intervention by the Fair Work Commission after more than 15 months of bargaining involving 113 meetings.

It means independent FWC arbitrators could decide all the terms of the police pay agreement.

The move has infuriated rank and file members who say they are now “at war” with Victoria Police’s top brass.

The current police workplace agreement expired last November, with police staging industrial action between December and May when police union members voted to accept the phased-in introduction of nine-hour shifts by 2028.

However 57 per cent of police later rejected the deal forcing parties back into negotiations and renewed industrial action.

Police members are now demanding 6 per cent annual pay rises over the next four years as part of a new $840m pay deal. Picture: Sarah Matray

Police members are now demanding 6 per cent annual pay rises over the next four years as part of a new $840m pay deal.

A Victorian government spokesperson said negotiations were continuing in good faith.

“Victoria Police officers play a critical role in protecting the community and saving lives, and we thank them for their vital service to the state,” she said.

“Victoria Police has sought the assistance of the Fair Work Commission in progressing bargaining and all parties continue to engage in discussions in good faith.

“Any planned protected industrial action is a matter for The Police Association of Victoria, and we welcome the union’s assurance that community safety will not be put at risk during any industrial action.”

Originally published as Police union opposes move to involve Fair Work Commission in pay dispute