Should the police be able to go on strike?

Xaccers · 12-12-2007, 21:44

The Police Federation says its members have lost confidence in Jacqui Smith due to her refusal to impliment the pay rise that was agreed (and who can blame them?), so are ballotting every police officer as to whether they should lobby for the right to strike.

So, do you believe if they do start lobbying, they should be given the right?

Personally, I don't think they should be able to go on strike, it could result in the government implimenting marshal law (not that we've got enough soldiers to do that), but more importantly, I don't beleive the Police should ever be put in a position where they feel the need to strike. There's an arbitration process which the government basically got what they wanted from with the 2.5% pay rise, but now they've abused their system by not back dating the pay rise as per the agreement.

**Mick** · 12-12-2007, 22:00

Sorry but aren't they already on strike? Friends the other night called for them using the emergency 999 - The Police turned up the next day.

MovedGoalPosts · 12-12-2007, 22:01

The police should have no need to strike, and it would be the last straw for law and order in this country if it came to that.

However, if the government doesn't uphold it's part of the bargain and adhere to the pay review body, then why should the police be expected to play by the rules too?

Russ · 12-12-2007, 22:18

It depends on what they mean by 'strike'. Are they implying they'll refuse to wear the uniform, or that they'll turn up for a shift and just stay inside? If it's the former then it's a very large NO.

BBKing · 12-12-2007, 22:22

Quite, anyone should have the right to withhold labour, to do otherwise invites abuse of power.

However, if they organise picket lines, I want to see former Yorkshire miners drafted in as strike-breakers. It's more than time for a rematch.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Orgreave

Xaccers · 12-12-2007, 22:24

Several people I've spoken with have said that if the police don't get their agreed pay rise, and aren't able to strike, then maybe a mass resignation (or the threat of) would be in order.

12-12-2007, 22:30

I voted yes because as i see it these days if you wear a uniform this government takes the urine the whole urinal and the paper too. It has always been that the police and the forces couldn't strike and it is that which has lead to this problem, this government is crapping on the countries best people because it thinks it can. We already lose many good police officers to recruitment drives from overseas forces this will only make that situation worse. Take away the governments comfort blanket and then lets see it played out on a level playing field. I have enough faith left that the police would not strike at the drop of a hat but would only do so if they felt it was the only way.

BBKing · 12-12-2007, 22:34

Quote:

as i see it these days if you wear a uniform this government takes the urine the whole urinal and the paper too

It's actually any professional person - doctors, teachers, judges, policemen, members of the forces. Basically if you want to do a job for some reason other than greed, you can be ignored. Be in it for the money, and you get showered with cash. Doesn't quite seem the done thing, to me.

Sirius · 12-12-2007, 23:10

I voted YES, I believe anyone should be aloud to withdraw there labour should they be treated unfairly

**Hugh** · 12-12-2007, 23:15

Pity we can't withdraw New Labour.........

papa smurf · 12-12-2007, 23:23

i thought they were allready on strike, they never turn up when you need them, three days after the event is no good, so i'll offer my support when they offer theres, any way if they go on strike who's going to notice ,a few motorists, certainly not criminals

Xaccers · 12-12-2007, 23:27

Didn't Callaghan's government do something similar?

punky · 12-12-2007, 23:44

I support the police whole heartedly, and two generations of my family, with 3 members of family having served for the Met Police, and have numerous friends who are current serving officers. But, no, I don't think they should be able to strike.

There are other ways and means to protest, and police have sort of gone on strike before, by refusing voluntary obligations that they otherwise would have met (they did this after the guy with the table leg was shot).

Also, comrades, be aware that if the police are allowed to strike they will be replaced by the army. While I have mates in the services and have the utmost respect for them for the the job they do, they will in no way be able to discharge the duty of law and order in any way as effectively as the police. I don't think even the Military Police would know the laws, obligations rights and be able to discharge the duty properly. The thought of the army being discharged to maintain law and order and arrest people frightens me.

13-12-2007, 00:17

I voted 'yes' that they should be allowed to strike ...

- but I would also hope they shouldn't have to, & I agree with Gavin that withdrawal of goodwill can be just as effective???

tcbass · 13-12-2007, 00:46

Yes

But if this Stinking government followed the "binding" recommendation's of the arbitration panel it could be avoided, for now, but I'm afraid all trust in the government have long gone.
The award of 2.5% is hardly generous, but then delaying it (making it only 1.9%) is an insult.

How many weekends without football do you think they would cope with, if the police stopped football duties? Currently if officers refuse to do overtime, leave will be cancelled so they have to do it, but with the right to strike they can refuse certain aspect of extra duties without going on full strike.