Thousands of cops to vote on whether they should seek the right to strike
RANK and file cops are to vote on whether to seek the right to strike, it was revealed today.
The Police Federation announced its 145,000 members in England and Wales will be asked if they wish to reserve the power to take industrial action in future.
Cops are currently barred from striking as they are servants of the Crown rather than employees, but the Fed is taking legal advice from a senior lawyer on available options.
This could include measures such as working to rule which would leave policing cover short in many forces.
It follows the recent mass temporary walkout by around 300 Met firearms officers in protest at a colleague being charged with the murder of rapper Chris Kaba, 24.
The Fed – which represents cops up to the rank of chief inspector – said they had been forced into holding the industrial action ballot after repeated requests for better pay and conditions were ignored by the Government.
They said in a statement: “The Government’s neglect has resulted in a growing sense of anger and frustration among our membership.”
The rank and file staff association added that it “is simply responding to its members’ very legitimate expectations and aspirations.”
Fed national chair Steve Hartshorn welcomed this year’s pay increase but said that according to the Social Market Foundation, “we are at least 17% behind where we should be.”
He told Home Secretary Suella Braverman on the second day of the Fed’s annual conference, being held online: “You know that, as an organisation, we have for the first time in many years been talking about seeking greater industrial rights.
“We have seen the industrial unrest this year and seen how it has helped some unions lever greater negotiation with the Government.
“I don’t know where these conversations will lead, and it is for the membership to determine our direction.
“But be assured, this comes because our members feel there has been a real breakdown in the special relationship that has existed between governments of all political colours and the police.
“A recognition, appreciation and value placed on the fact that police officers do not have access to the same industrial rights as many other public sector workers.”
Mr Hartshorn also called for the “best possible protective kit and equipment,” the removal of red tape hindering officers and a “fair, open and transparent process of vetting and time limits on misconduct investigations.”
He repeated a previous request for a posthumous award to be given for emergency service workers killed in the line of duty.
Mr Hartshorn said it was necessary as a form of state recognition “when someone dies doing their job keeping our communities safe and protecting the public.”
Ms Braverman said she hoped to announce “something soon” on medals for emergency workers killed in action.
She said: “It is always deeply sobering – and moving – to hear the roll call of officers who have fallen in the line of duty in the past year.
“Words cannot do justice to the debt we owe them, nor to how keenly we feel for their colleagues and loved ones.
“They will be forever cherished.
“I support your campaign for a medal for heroes. There is a consensus across government that this needs to happen – and I hope we will be able to announce something soon.”
The Home Secretary added: “I have heard your concerns that you are not being treated fairly, and that processes overlap and take too long.”
She said she was pleased to be able to prioritise a rise this year “for some of the most selfless, outstanding professionals among us,” but stressed: “We are in a tough economic climate.”