Have your say in industrial rights ballot, officers told

AT LEAST half of all Federation members in England and Wales – more than 65,000 – will need to vote “yes” in the industrial right ballot if the Police Federation is to pursue the right to take industrial action.

There is just over one week left in the ballot and Essex Police Federation has urged all members to have their say.

Officers have until 28 February to vote but must register by 26 February.

Mark Smith, chairman of Essex Police Federation, said: “Whether people think it is the right time to vote or not, they must vote. If there is not a turn out to a certain level, the Government will spin this.

“They will say – police officers are not too bothered about what is happening to them, that they don’t mind compulsory severance being brought in because they have not voted.”

The National Joint Central Committee has said it was “mindful” that any decision to pursue such a fundamental change to the unique status of police officers must be based on a “proper mandate from the rank and file membership of the PFEW”.

It has therefore reaffirmed a unanimous decision made in October that the mandate must be based on a positive vote of 50 per cent of the membership.

There are currently around 130,000 Federation members, so 65,000 officers would have to vote in favour of pursuing the right to take industrial action for the Federation to go ahead.

“We are where we are,” added Mr Smith. “We got past the point of no return and the vote is happening. Nothing says once we find out what is happening in compulsory severance we could have another ballot in the future. Please do have your say.”

Demand for the ballot is said to reflect a growing feeling of frustration among police officers.

Steve Williams, PFEW Chair, said: “It was agreed that for PFEW to embark on a course of action that could potentially change the landscape of British policing forever it would need a clear mandate from its members to do so. I believe the figure agreed would provide us with that mandate.

“Regardless of whether they are in favour or against PFEW seeking industrial rights for police officers, it is crucial that all officers register to vote and take part in the ballot.”

More than 60,000 officers replied to the last Federation “strike” ballot in the spring of 2008, with 86 per cent saying the organisation should ask for a change in legislation to allow police officers “full industrial rights”.