Members urged to take part in industrial rights poll

4 June 2024

The chair of West Midlands Police Federation is strongly urging all members to take part in a poll launched to find out whether members would like the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) to pursue collective bargaining as part of a future package of enhanced industrial rights for police officers.

The poll, which has been emailed out to all members, including Special Constables, was launched on Monday (3 June) and will be open until Friday 23 June at 21.59.

The results will determine whether members would like PFEW to seek, in law, the re-establishment of a mechanism of collective bargaining and direct negotiation with the Government when it comes to determining police pay.

Should the majority vote in favour, then PFEW will commence negotiations with the new Government, of whatever persuasion, at the earliest opportunity, using the hoped-for mandate from members to support this.

If the Government of the day is unwilling to engage or unreasonable in its response, then PFEW reserves the right to return to the membership to see if they want to seek greater industrial rights, including the right to strike, by all appropriate means.

Branch chair Rich Cooke is calling on all members to register their view: “As a membership-led organisation, it is vital that we give members a voice. This poll does exactly that - it gives our members an opportunity to send a clear message about their dissatisfaction with the current system. That is why it is fundamental that every single one of our members to register their view.

“PFEW have sent out the poll along with an FAQ document, which should provide members with all the information and clarity they need before casting a vote.”

There will be no threshold set for the percentage of members who need to participate in the poll. The decision to proceed will be made on a simple majority of votes cast.

If you have not received the link to the poll then please contact the local Federation office as soon as possible.