Force given a timely reminder on 12-hour rosters

Yesterday, the Force received a timely reminder from the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) of its responsibilities when considering terminating members’ variable 10 and 12-hour rosters.  

The reminder from the AIRC comes after the Association lodged a dispute with the Force over its attempts to abolish 10 and 12-hour rosters in a number of stations without consulting with The Police Association or members.  

It was the Association’s view that such attempts by the Force violated the Workplace Agreement and breached the Force’s own policy on rostering.  

The AIRC yesterday handed down a recommendation to the parties, reminding the Force that it must follow a clear process before terminating any existing roster arrangements. This includes a process of evaluation (identifying the reasons why the roster needs to be changed) and thorough consultation with The Police Association and affected employees. The Force must also consider alternative proposals before moving to terminate a variable hour roster.  

The Commission’s recommendation will give the Force cause to re-think their strategy of noncompliance when it comes to the review of variable hour roster arrangements. However, The Police Association will continue to hold the Force accountable – ensuring that it does not impose unfair and unilateral decisions on our members. 

The AIRC’s recommendation is available via the industrial relations section of our website, www.tpav.org.au.

Greg Davies

Legal Manager