Vic: Govt accuses police of fighting public relations war

AAP General News (Australia)
08-26-2001
Vic: Govt accuses police of fighting public relations war

Victorian Police Minister ANDRE HAERMEYER has accused the police union of waging a
public relations war instead of negotiating properly with the government over a pay dispute.

Police Association members will tonight launch a television ad campaign to appeal directly
for public support.

Police are seeking wage rises of between 13 and 39 per cent over three years, while
the government has offered 12 to 24 per cent.

Negotiations hit the skids last week when the government refused to budge on its funding
offer of $123 million.

Mr HAERMEYER says meeting the Police Association's demand would cost an extra $30 million.

He says the campaign is being driven by the dictates of a public relations company
rather than industrial relations common sense.

AAP RTV tsc/gfr/jh

KEYWORD: POLICE VIC HAERMEYER (MELBOURNE)

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