Police Association of Victoria says nine-day fortnight will address burnout, unpaid overtime
Victorian police will pause a campaign of industrial action, which has seen police cars flash their lights at speed cameras, after the force pledged to investigate a nine-day working fortnight.
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Victoria’s police enterprise bargaining deal has been extended by six months as the force looks into whether nine-day working fortnights are feasible.
The breakthrough means the police union will pause a campaign of industrial action as they continue to hammer out the details of a new workplace agreement.
A Victoria Police statement issued Wednesday morning said the current employment agreement had been extended until May 31 after negotiations with the Police Association of Victoria.
“During this time we will explore the feasibility of implementing nine-hour shifts for police provided it can be achieved within agreed rostering principles, current resourcing levels and government wages policy,” the statement said.
It went on to say the force would continue to negotiate with the union to reach a long-term agreement “that recognises the challenges of policing and is fair for police, protective services officers and the Victorian community.”
The Police Association has been pushing for a nine-day working day spread across a nine-day fortnight.
That will now be explored by Victoria Police and the government.
The Herald Sun understands the state government also agreed to make a 1.75 per cent goodwill payment to members while this work is undertaken.
Police Association boss Wayne Gatt announced the breakthrough late Tuesday night, saying he was pleased with the agreement but more work needed to be done.
“We are pleased that the parties have shifted to a point that recognises the need for nine-
hour shifts to be developed and implemented for police officers,” he said.
“This is a change that helps, in part, address the drivers of burnout, unpaid overtime and fatigue that are driving police out of the job.
“More work needs to be done to complete this agreement but this positive step forward
enables negotiations to continue towards that end, while ensuring our members get an
immediate cash boost while that work is being completed.”
Negotiations towards a comprehensive agreement, incorporating wage increases and other benefits will continue.
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