Speed Camera News AU Police Go on Strike by warning of presence of speed scameras!
Great Quote from CameraFraud National:
"Australian police go on strike by warning people about the presence of speed cameras so that the system won't make any money. Is there any better proof that it's all about the money?"
Vic police vote to take industrial action Edwina Scott
May 2, 2011 - 2:34PM
AAP
Angry Victorian police members have voted to dip their headlights to motorists at speed camera locations after rejecting the state government's pay offer of 2.5 per cent.
More than 2000 members at a mass meeting on Monday also moved to ban the use of email, skip attending courts as witnesses and refuse to receive speed camera films at police stations.
Senior Sergeant Jeff Smith from the Major Collisions Unit said the measures were designed to attack state revenue netted by fines from speed cameras.
"We wouldn't do it if there was going to be an effect on road safety," he told reporters.
"We see it as a good strategy."
Following the meeting, officers said they believed they would have public support for the moves.
Leading Senior Constable Brendan Dyer said members were not seeking a "massive" pay rise.
"We work as hard as we can for the community and, hopefully, the community will get behind us and support us," he said.
Police Association state secretary Greg Davies said officers' flashing lights at motorists to warn them about speed cameras would, in fact, boost road safety by encouraging drivers to slow down.
He denied the resolution implied the union thought the cameras were merely revenue-raising mechanisms.
The union is pushing for a 4.5 per cent pay rise, while the government so far has stuck to its 2.5 per cent offer.
Senior Sergeant Davies said the 2.5 per cent was "well below" the national inflation average as described by figures released by the Bureau of Statistics last week.
"It effectively means a reduced pay for all of our police members," Sen Sgt Davies said.
"If the state can't afford to pay its police officers at two per cent above the public sector pay policy then Victoria is indeed in dire straits."
He said Premier Ted Baillieu last year had promised the force pay rises based on inflation rates and productivity.
The resolutions approved on Monday will now be taken to Fair Work Australia, where a secret ballot will be sought.
If a positive ballot in favour of the resolutions is returned by members, the measures will begin on June 6.
Chief Commissioner Simon Overland refused to be drawn on the potential action when he faced reporters in Melbourne.
But Mr Overland admitted Victorian police were among the lowest-paid in Australia.
"They're towards the bottom of the pile," he said.
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