Vic police prep for industrial action

Police in Victoria appear headed for industrial action after a pay deal was rejected.

Victorian police officers are preparing for industrial action after rejecting a pay deal their union branded as shameful.

Some 2000 officers voted unanimously, by show of hands, to reject the offer on the table of 2.5 per cent annual pay rises over four years.

Officers also voted unanimously in support of industrial action to be rolled out if a November 30 deadline is reached with no new agreement.

The union is pushing for annual pay rises of five per cent but says the government has refused to budge, and talks have stretched on since May.

Police Association of Victoria Secretary Ron Iddles said police were working under unprecedented pressures due to the scourge of the drug ice, family violence and terrorism.

The union's general meeting in Melbourne on Thursday was the first to have a security cordon.

"They acknowledge the treat of a terrorist attack is real and it will happen and what do they put on the table?" Mr Iddles said.

"2.5 per cent - they should hang their head in shame."

The union wants penalty rates for weekend and public holidays and says the deal on the table cut existing conditions.

The existing EBA expires on November 30, and another secret ballot of officers will have to be staged before planned industrial action can be staged after that.

The proposed industrial action includes bans on certain non-essential paperwork or court appearances with a subpoena.

Police when not responding to an emergency would park at red light camera intersections with flashing lights and at school crossing to help children cross the road.

There's also a proposed ban on grooming and uniform standards, including hair and beard length.

Premier Daniel Andrews says police deserve a pay rise, but they need to negotiate.

"We respect them and the sacrifices they make, and the best outcome, a balanced and fair outcome in my judgment, will be found by sitting down and talking ... not through industrial action," Mr Andrews told reporters on Thursday.

The opposition says Labor secured the support of key unions to win government and was now turning its back on "the people who protect us and keep us safe".

"They have been rewarding mates and not hard work," Opposition Leader Matthew Guy told reporters.


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Source: AAP



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