Vic: Vic police to begin industrial action today

AAP General News (Australia)
08-26-2007
Vic: Vic police to begin industrial action today

MELBOURNE, Aug 26 AAP - Thousands of Victorian police will begin industrial action
today in bid for better pay.

Police from Geelong, south-west of Melbourne, to Pakenham, south-east of the capital,
will roll out the first of 11 of 22 work bans, including refusing to provide statistical
information to government departments.

Officers in other parts of Victoria will join the action if the state government refuses
to budge on pay talks.

They are seeking a five per cent pay rise, compared to the 3.25 per cent increase on offer.

Police Association Victorian secretary Paul Mullett said the industrial action was
a last resort for police seeking decent pay and work conditions.

"We hoped this day wouldn't come," Senior Sergeant Mullett said.

"It is disappointing and regrettable that the government's inaction on this issue has
backed us into a corner.

"Industrial action is tough and with the added risk of pay being docked, has the possibility
of putting real strain on ordinary working police and their families," he said.

Snr Sgt Mullett said the work bans would not diminish the level of service to the public.

AAP gfr/sco/cdh

KEYWORD: POLICE VIC DAYLEAD

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