Police Association of Victoria members at the Benalla police station walked off the job for 30 minutes on Thursday, December 5, in its first walkout in 25 years.
A police member, who was part of the Benalla protest and asked not to be named, said working conditions were the worst he has seen in 30 years in the job.
An association spokesperson said, frustrated at what they described as Victoria Police and the Victorian Government’s unwillingness to negotiate a fair pay rise and end wage theft at the beginning and end of every shift, members walked off the job, united in a bid to get the employer back to the negotiating table.
“Victoria Police has applied to the Fair Work Commission to have the enterprise bargaining agreement dispute declared intractable, and have the commission determine the financial and working future of police and protective service officers,” the spokesperson said.
“We don’t want Victoria Police to wash its hands of our members’ future.
“We want it to return to the negotiating table and have some involvement in looking after its workforce.
“With over 1000 vacancies, 800-plus members off sick and more police leaving than entering the building that will host today’s walkout, Victoria Police needs to take ownership here and correct the ship that is currently sailing off course.
“Don’t complain about your lack of resources and close 43 stations down, to rationalise your troops and then throw your hands up and say ‘this is a problem for someone else to fix’.
“Our members want Victoria Police to stop being part of the problem and instead, to return to the bargaining table and be part of the solution to this dispute.”
State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland was at the protest and threw her support behind the cause.
Ms Cleeland told the police members that, on behalf of the community, she thanked them for all they do.
“I don’t think we have a premier that appreciates the burden you carry on behalf of our community,” she said at the protest.
“With 1000 police vacancies, more and more pressure is on your shoulders.”
Ms Cleeland advised police members to keep fighting, and said she hoped Victoria Police and the government would come back to the table to keep negotiating.
More daily work stoppages will follow at police stations and work units across metropolitan Melbourne and Victoria.
Police Association of Victoria members are seeking a six per cent pay rise per annum over four years and an end to unpaid work. The current EBA expired in November 2023.
A government spokesperson said Victoria Police officers played a critical role in protecting the community and saving lives, and the government was grateful for their vital service to the state.
“We have delivered a record $4.5 billion for Victoria Police to ensure they have the resources they need to keep Victorians safe,” the spokesperson said.
“This includes a brand new 24-hour Benalla police station and funding to hire more than 3600 new police officers statewide — 72 of which have gone to Goulburn Valley.
“After a protracted negotiation period, Victoria Police sought the assistance of the Fair Work Commission in progressing bargaining.
“Any planned protected industrial action is a matter for the Police Association of Victoria, and we welcome the assurance that any action would not affect community safety.”