Victorian police officers have begun revealing the location of speed cameras as a bitter pay dispute between the state government and the police union continues to intensify.
The industrial action, led by The Police Association of Victoria – the peak union for police and protective service officers in state – is the latest stoush in negotiations for improved pay and conditions in Victoria Police’s new workplace agreement.
The association’s demand for a 4 per cent wage increase and nine-hour work shifts has become a sticking point in bargaining negotiations, with Treasurer Tim Pallas emphasising that the state’s financially strained budget cannot accommodate the request.
With negotiations reaching an impasse, police cars will flash their lights to alert motorists to fixed speed and red light cameras from December 4 in an attempt to reduce the state’s revenue from fines.
The industrial action will see some 2000 police cars emblazoned with anti-government messaging. Association members will also refuse to work unpaid overtime.
The industrial action has been approved by the Fair Work Commission.
Association secretary Wayne Gatt told reporters that his members were “burnt out, day by day” and were demanding an end to the protracted pay dispute.
“It’s on like Donkey Kong,” Mr Gatt said.
“Our members will be telling the government exactly what they think of them.”
“Exactly what needs to be done to correct the issues that are causing the slash and burn mentality in our police force – a police force where services are being slashed in the community.”
In a statement released by Victorian Police, the force said it would continue to negotiate with the VPA in “good faith”.
“We have made significant progress and are confident of reaching an agreement that recognises the challenges of policing and is fair for police, protective services officers and the Victorian community,” the statement read.
Frontline policing will continue to be provided.
The preceding enterprise bargaining agreement, which encompassed approximately 17,500 police and protective services officers was struck in 2020, however it concluded on Thursday.