Victorian police officers have started revealing the location of speed cameras as a bitter pay dispute between the state government and the police union intensifies.
The industrial action, led by the Police Association of Victoria – the state's main union for police and security staff – is the latest step in negotiations for better pay and conditions in Victoria Police's new workplace agreement.
The association's demand for a 4 percent pay increase and nine-hour shifts has become a sticking point in negotiations, with treasurer Tim Pallas saying the financially strained state budget cannot meet the request.
With negotiations at an impasse, police cars will flash their lights from December 4 to warn motorists of fixed speed and red light cameras in a bid to reduce the state's revenue from fines.
The industrial action will see around 2,000 police cars decorated with anti-government messages.
A police vehicle (pictured) alerted a speedlight camera to incoming traffic in Melbourne on Sunday, December 3, 2023
Members of the association will also refuse to work unpaid overtime.
The industrial action has been approved by the Fair Work Commission.
Association secretary Wayne Gatt told reporters his members were “burned out day by day” and demanded an end to the long-running pay dispute.
“It looks like Donkey Kong,” Mr. Gatt said.
“Our members are going to tell the government exactly what they think of them.”
“Exactly what needs to be done to correct the problems that are causing the slash and burn mentality in our police force – a police force where services in the community are being cut.”
Victorian police officers have started revealing the location of speed cameras. A mobile speed camera is shown
In a statement from Victorian Police, the force said it would continue to negotiate with the VPA “in good faith.”
“We have made significant progress and are confident we will reach an agreement that recognizes the challenges of policing and is fair to police, protective services and the Victorian community,” the statement said.
Frontline policing will continue.
The previous enterprise bargaining agreement, involving about 17,500 police and protection services, was concluded in 2020 but ended on Thursday.