Vic; Police dispute breakthourgh in sight

AAP General News (Australia)
08-14-2001
Vic; Police dispute breakthourgh in sight

Eight Victorian police stations are expected to close for an entire shift tonight as
the deadlock in pay negotiations holds fast.

But the police union holds out hope of a resumption in talks tomorrow after Police
Minister ANDRE HAERMEYER agreed on radio tonight to meet with union heads.

A spokesman for Mr HAERMEYER says representatives from the two camps will be in touch
tomorrow to arrange a date and venue to meet.

Police Association secretary PAUL MULLETT says he hopes to get the pay claim back onto
the negotiating table, with the impact of police work bans initiated on Monday now being
felt.

Tonight, suburban stations at Avondale Heights, Glen Waverley, Sunbury, Coburg and
Brunswick are expected to lock their doors, as police refuse to work unpaid overtime or
remain on one-man shifts.

More are expected to close for short intervals.

However, police say officers will contiue respond to emergency situations and telephone
inquiries.





Mr BRACKS says the package on offer will give Victorian officers the same monetary
returns as their New South Wales colleagues.

But the police union maintains the offer will only benefit 1,200 officers.

AAP RTV jmw/gfr/hn

KEYWORD: POLICE VIC ( MELBOURNE)

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