(Thanks to Camerafraud for the link)

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8255467/vic-police-ballot-tipped-to-back-bans

Vic police ballot tipped to back bans10:30 AEST Tue May 31 2011ago

Thousands of Victorian police could start work bans in days, including warning motorists where speed cameras are located, with poll results tipped to back industrial action.

Police Association secretary Greg Davies said he was confident the 11,500 members of the police union would endorse protected industrial action designed to pressure the Victorian government during enterprise bargaining talks.

For the bans to proceed at least half the union's members have to return a ballot via the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) by 10am (AEST) on Wednesday, with more than half of returned ballots supporting the action.

An AEC spokeswoman said results should be known by late afternoon.

Under the union's plans police would warn motorists where speed and red light cameras are operating by flashing lights on patrol cars.

They will also stop using emails, refuse to serve subpoenas, stop voluntary work and cease collecting crime statistics as well as other measures.

Mass meetings of police earlier this month unanimously backed the plan.

The association has been angry that the state government has refused to increase its offer of a 2.5 per cent annual pay rise, or even offer a negotiator with authority to discuss pay issues, Mr Davies said.

"The Bureau of Statistics says inflation at Melbourne is running at 3.5 per cent, so they (police) would be running backwards," Mr Davies said.

He said the industrial action would probably start on June 7.

Victoria Police last took industrial action in 2007, but in contrast to those bans, the latest threats are fewer and designed to maintain public support.

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