Calls for national ballot for industrial rights

3 May 2023

The chair of West Midlands Police Federation says a national ballot on industrial rights is not only ‘overdue’ but ‘must happen immediately’ as members are urged to make sure their details are up-to-date ahead of a potential vote.

Rich Cooke’s comments come after it was revealed that a national ballot on industrial rights could be coming. 

He says the national ballot would be a ‘clear demonstration of the anger and frustration felt by those in the Force’. 

“As chair of West Midlands Police Federation, having canvassed our members, I feel there is a huge need for the ballot - and I’m confident that most of the membership agrees with me,” said Rich.

“Our members need to know that we are pushing for the ballot to happen now, not in six months’ time. We need action – and any unnecessary delays could mean a poor voter turn-out, and could lead to the whole exercise being undermined.”

A campaign for a national ballot comes shortly after the Casey report, which has seen a review of conduct procedures and vetting processes for police officers, with every officer nationally being re-vetted. While the Federation backs the re-vetting process, it has voiced concern over calls to abolish independently chaired misconduct hearings, and potentially using the vetting process to effectively have ‘two bites of the cherry’ regarding historic allegations that have already been concluded.

“It looks like the recent Casey review will have an impact on our regulatory rights. They are looking at avoiding regulations in terms of vetting officers - to remove vetting of officers and remove independent chairs. If this happens, arguably, we’re no better off, and some would say worse off than an employee who has employment rights,” he continued.

“And, while we’re not legally allowed to strike, I think the national ballot would be a clear demonstration of the anger and frustration being felt in the police service.

“Ultimately, it says once and for all that police officers are not happy, and we cannot go on like this anymore.”

Rich also referred to the Strikes Bill, which plans to impose minimum service levels on certain industries during strike action, to ensure those in critical service roles can strike safely.

“If you’re saying that nurses can go on strike - not all of them, but a safe number - then why can’t the same be said for police officers?” he asked.

Rich’s comments were echoed by branch secretary Tim Rogers who emphasised that campaigning for the ballot is not about having a right to strike.

He said: "There are a range of strategic matters that we would seek to have implemented through this piece of work, we need a fair and enforceable pay mechanism, something that has been sadly lacking.

“Police officers hold a unique position which is why Police Regulations exist. That said this unique position should not allow the Government to simply ignore the evidence on how Police Pay has been allowed to fall behind so far."

Tim is also urging members to ensure their contact details are up-to-date, in case the ballot goes ahead.

“Engagement from our membership is key here,” he continued.

“If we’re fighting for a ballot, it needs to mean something - this is our opportunity to really demonstrate how we are all feeling.

“Please make sure all of your contact details are up-to-date with the Federation, so we can keep you informed. As cliche as this sounds, your vote will make such a difference if a ballot happens.”