Victorian cop wins right to work four shifts a week after successful Fair Work Commission referral

A Victorian policeman has won the right to work four shifts a week rather than the traditional five in a case his lawyers say will open the door for other members of the force to cut back their shifts as well.

The Fair Work Commission has backed a policeman’s right to work four shifts a week rather than the traditional five.

And lawyers for the officer say the case will open the door for other members of the force to cut back to four days a week.

The Police Association says the overruling of the force’s decision has affirmed its right to refer matters of flexible working hours to an independent umpire.

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Detective Senior Constable Gary Emery had wanted to work a roster of four 10-hour shifts a week rather than five blocks of eight hours.

But his application was ­declined by the force on “reasonable business grounds”.

The Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission upheld Sen Const Emery’s right to work flexible hours, a decision which was unsuccessfully appealed by Victoria Police.

The Fair Work Commission has backed a policeman’s right to work four shifts a week rather than the traditional five.

Maurice Blackburn principal lawyer Kamal Farouque said the decision was a win for police and would have long-term ramifications.

“This decision is a win for The Police Association and DSC Emery. It sets a precedent and makes conditions for police ­officers more reflective of contemporary standards,” Mr Farouque said.

Police Association secretary Wayne Gatt said the decision upheld the right of officers to work more flexibly around their personal circumstances.

“This case also affirms an important principle that the Police Association can indeed contest such matters by referring them to an independent umpire if a member’s request to work more flexible hours is rejected,” he said.

A spokeswoman for the force said: “Victoria Police employees can apply for flexible work conditions and applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.”

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