More than 100 police officers will stage a protest in Glasgow as pay talks reach crisis point.
Officers representatives say rank and file members have been ‘snubbed’ and that ‘anger is palpable’ over a rejection of a call for a 5.5% increase.
The Police Negotiating Board for Scotland, which includes the Scottish Government, rejected have offered 4.75% rise, which has led to the stand off.
The Scottish Police Federation, the officers’ union, said that there was now ‘no choice’ but to stage a protest calling for their demands to be met.
Scottish Police Federation General Secretary David Kennedy, who represents 16,500 rank and file policemen and women, said: “We will be taking to the streets on Thursday as we have been left with no choice. The anger is palpable.
“Unlike doctors, council workers and train drivers we can’t strike or take industrial action and that is one of the most effective ways to make politicians in government listen.
“For many officers it is increasingly difficult to make ends meet, given the rate of inflation and high energy prices. We are asking for a fair pay award in recognition of our contribution to society.”
The degree of scrutiny faced by officers when on and off duty is also unlike any other profession.
Police officers’ pay has fallen behind other public sector bodies since 2006 when the previous pay mechanism was withdrawn.
General Secretary Kennedy says that low pay and the increasing demands of the job have resulted in officers quitting the service in droves.
The staff survey released by Police Scotland revealed that 70% of Police workers would not recommend working for Police Scotland.
READ MORE:
- Police superintendents advised to stick to ‘core hours’ in pay dispute
- Police Scotland to take action short of strike in pay row
- Police attacked with bricks and fireworks in Edinburgh
The issues facing police officers on a daily basis include reduced staffing levels, crumbling infrastructure, and lack of equipment all contributing to low morale. Police officers are often called to deal with issues that arise from overstretched public services such as mental health services.
Police officers in Scotland withdrew their goodwill on 1 November, meaning that they will not work outside their allotted hours, will not start shifts early and will not take PPE or police equipment home with them.
The Police Officers’ protest will take place from 9am -12noon, Thursday 28 November outside the Merchants’ House of Glasgow, 7 West George Street.
David Kennedy concluded, “We are losing dozens of officers every month due to the demands of the job and the fact that they can earn significantly better pay elsewhere. Soon there will simply not be enough serving officers to keep the public safe.”
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