Police to take industrial action over pay dispute

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Thousands of police and protective services officers will take industrial action after negotiations over pay and conditions with Victoria Police broke down.

The union and the police force have been locked in months-long negotiations over a new enterprise agreement with demands for 4 per cent pay rises and better working conditions, such as nine-hour shifts.

Officers across Victoria will take action from 7am on Sunday, which will lead to 19 simultaneous bans across the force.

Police Association secretary Wayne Gatt said on Tuesday that actions taken would include setting off speed cameras, slowing down drivers in those locations and handing out information to the public in public places.

A public campaign with messages of officers’ concerns scrawled on police cars, boats, trucks and helicopters parked near government premises is on the agenda.

Government officials will also stop receiving briefings and reports under the action.

“Our members, armed with crayons in hand, will take to their vehicles on Sunday morning at 7 o’clock, and they’ll tell the government exactly what they think of it,” Gatt said.

Last week the union said it had called for a 4 per cent pay rise and for officers to be paid for slightly longer shifts.

The union said more than 15,192 members had voted in favour of industrial action, representing 88 per cent of police and protective services officers.

Last week Victoria Police said significant progress had been made towards an agreement that was fair to police, protective services officers and the community, while recognising the challenges of policing.

It said that if industrial action occurred, the community could be assured frontline policing services would continue to be provided.

The enterprise bargaining agreement expires on Thursday.

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AAP with Alex Crowe

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