Police bid to end union action fails, pay war heats up

The independent umpire made a call on whether it would intervene in the bitter dispute, after a controversial move by Victoria Police.

Police members staged a walkout protest at the police academy in November last year as part of the ongoing industrial relations pay disputes. Picture: NewsWire / Nadir Kinani

The Fair Work Commission has ruled against intervening in the long-running police pay war, forcing Victoria Police and the union back to the negotiating table.

The force and the state government will have to resume talks with The Police Association of Victoria after the Fair Work Commission ruled in the union’s favour on Friday.

The force applied last year for the FWC to intervene in the lengthy EBA dispute, arguing it could not be resolved and calling for the FWC to decide the terms of its pay agreement.

The mediator could have recommended the state government increase the police budget to allow the desired pay rise. But the FWC has, for the moment, left it to the three parties to sort.

TPAV have been gunning for a six per cent pay rise each year for the next four years and a ban on unpaid overtime in an ugly war spanning months.

They have repeatedly targeted Mr Patton with slogans written on police vehicles and have continually stopped work at several stations across the state.

Victorian police cars have been marked with handwritten messages by police officers as a form of protest. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

TPAV secretary Wayne Gatt said it was a great result for his members.

“We are pleased that the Fair Work Commission has today rejected the Chief Commissioner’s application for an intractable bargaining declaration,” he said.

“It remains our strong position that Victoria Police and the government should move quickly to resolve this matter with The Police Association and our members, so as to stem the loss of police from our ranks and attract more Victorians to policing.

“Without them, what hope has Victoria got in fighting back against the worsening crime and community safety issues Victorians are enduring?”

Victoria Police on Friday night said the saga was far from over.

“The FWC Commissioner is of the belief that both parties may still reach an agreement with the assistance of FWC,” the force said in a statement.

“Victoria Police has discussed the outcome with The Police Association, and they have advised they will submit a fresh s. 240 application with FWC on Monday, which will essentially request FWC to assist the parties in reaching an agreement.

“Victoria Police supports this application and is ready to fully participate in the process.”