Police to warn motorists of speed camera locations as pay talks stall
The police union has threatened to warn motorists of speed camera locations if pay negotiations aren’t resolved by the end of the week, with officers voting to undertake industrial action.
VIC News
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Police will warn motorists of speed camera locations from the end of the week if pay negotiations are not imminently resolved.
Police Association Secretary Wayne Gatt today revealed police have voted overwhelming in support of industrial action.
He said officers will vent their frustration “with some gusto” from the end of the week if the state government does not undertake “direct and immediate intervention” soon.
Police union officials will resume wage negotiations with state government today, a week since the last discussion took place.
Mr Gatt urged Premier Daniel Andrews to personally intervene to deliver what he described as a “fair deal” for police.
“This is a dispute about dollars and cents. It’s about the government stepping up and getting the deal done,” he said.
Mr Gatt has already ordered 3000 markers that will be used to write messages on police vehicles as part of looming industrial action.
Police will also sit off of fixed or mobile speed cameras, warning motorists to slow down while reducing the state’s revenue raising capability.
“Police patience has worn very thin and they are frustrated. They want a fair and reasonable outcome and will vent that frustration with some gusto,” said Mr Gatt.
Asked why he thought police deserved more than the two per cent wage increase applied across the public sector, Mr Gatt criticised the policy and said it was “not good” for staff or the economy.
He said the work undertaken by police needed to be credited well above the two per cent wage cap.
Mr Gatt told the Herald Sun last week that normal police duties would stop if a fair deal is not made.
“It comes down to how much this government values its police,” he said.
“Two per cent is insulting, our members know they’re worth more, the community knows they’re worth more and until the government places an appropriate value on their work, there will be a fight.”
Police could also refuse to work overtime without prior approval, place cardboard cut outs in stations to represent staff shortages or help school kids cross the road if they are not required at an incident.
It’s the first time police have undertaken industrial action since 2011.
Mr Gatt said it is not what police want but they are being forced to fight for what is fair.
He added it was not a good look for the government to take a well-paid summer break while refusing to pay to match the demanding workloads faced by police.
“The government is off enjoying its summer break. How nice. They’ve got extra cash this year to really enjoy themselves,” said Mr Gatt.
“Our members have neither the time off, nor the pay increase to look forward to over Christmas. They’ll be here, doing their job to protect the community over the busiest time of the year. Again.”
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The Andrews government offer falls well short of the four per cent annual pay rise that officers want.
A state government spokesperson said: “We are continuing to work with police on a fair and responsible enterprise bargaining agreement that reflects the work our police do for our community.”