POLICE could take industrial action in Victoria if negotiations over a new pay deal break down.
THE Police Association of Victoria is meeting on Thursday to discuss the progress of their Enterprise Bargaining Agreement and brainstorm “potential industrial actions” their members could take.
Negotiations began in May, with the current EBA concluding on November 30.In a newsletter to members, Police Association secretary Ron Iddles said police needed to be prepared for possible action.”While we hope that this does not occur, we still need to be ready in the event that it does,” Mr Iddles wrote.
“Police have a tough job, and deserve a fair and reasonable pay outcome this EBA.”When talks broke down during a past EBA negotiation in 2011, officers sat in patrol cars with lights flashing to warn drivers of the presence of speed and red light cameras.A Victoria Police spokeswoman said negotiations remained positive.”Victoria Police is confident of an agreement being reached that delivers both a better organisation, and better pay and conditions for members,” she said in a statement.”If industrial action is likely, we will put in place contingency plans to ensure continued service delivery.”Melbourne’s train and tram drivers have staged industrial action over the past month and their pay dispute is unresolved.There are concerns industrial action could affect the AFL finals series or the spring racing carnival.