Industrial action by police ‘unlikely’

Press, 11 January 1986, Page 6

Industrial action by police ‘unlikely’

PA Wellington Police Association sources say wildcat industrial action by some members over their pay offer is unlikely, but still possible. The association’s president, Mr Keith Morrow, said last evening that many police officers were angry about the delay in pay talks and the delay in the notice of industrial action, and some branches had threatened action regardless of the national directive. “This may prove to be a storm in a teacup, but I am probably looking on the bright side of things,” he said. “There seems to be a tremendous amount of heat underneath.” Last month, association members voted against accepting a 5 per cent basic salary increase on top of the annual general adjustment and in favour of limited industrial action. The association says an 11 per cent increase for front- __ line ranks and 8 per cent for senior ranks is seen as a minimum because of rising crime and assaults on, y officers.

Association executives have recommended action in the form of bans on administrative work, but some branches have put forward bans on Government, diplomatic and international airport policing as a better alternative. However, the chief negotiator, Dr Bob Moodie, disapproves of such alternatives because of the police responsibility to protect the Government Notice of industrial action looked set to be given just before Christmas, but the decision has been delayed until after the Cabinet meets again this year. Allegations that* the delay was a “deal” with the Minister of Police, Mrs Hercus, to prevent trouble during the Royal tour next month have been denied by both Mr Morrow and Dr Moodie. Other police sources have also said the Royal tour “deal” were rumours without foundation. Mr Morrow described the assertion as “absolutely ludicrous.” “The oath that every police officer takes starts ‘I solemnly and sincerely

swear to serve Her Soverign Lady.’ “I suppose she is really our boss,” said Mr Morrow.

He said the delay in giving notice of action had been to give Mrs Hercus the opportunity to put the police case before the Cabinet again “without the sword of industrial action dangling over her head.” Association executives and negotiators this week met representatives from six of the most dissatisfied districts, Whangarei, South Auckland, Hamilton, Wanganui, Nelson and Invercargill. Dr Moodie said the representatives had been told that he had great confidence in Mrs Hercus, but she had given no assurance the 5 per cent offer could be increased. “I am certainly not talking of resigning, but I would obviously have to stand aside if they take industrial action (without the national go-ahead) — but I cannot see it happening.” , Mr Morrow said the general feeling of the meeting was that the police had been “slapped in the face” by an initial nil offer, followed by a “toten” 5 per cent on basic Claries.