Fed Ballot: Turnout not enough to pursue industrial rights

MORE than 45,000 police officers in England and Wales voted for the right to take industrial action – but the number was not enough for the Police Federation to push for a change in the law.

Out of the 133,108 officers eligible to vote, 56,333 took part in the ballot, with 45,651 voting in favour and 10,681 voting against. 

In South Yorkshire, 1,356 officers voted. A total of 1,167 officers (86.06 %) voted “yes” with 189 officers (13.94%) voting “No”.

Rank and file officers were asked whether or not they wished the Federation to seek the right to take industrial action, including going on strike.

Despite the 81 per cent majority vote, the Police Federation had previously stated that it would only seek industrial rights if half of its total membership voted in favour.

PFEW Chairman Steve Williams said: “A significant proportion of our membership has indicated that they want the right to take industrial action. This highlights the pressures currently felt by rank and file officers throughout England and Wales.

“However, it would not be appropriate to undertake a course of action that could potentially change the employment status of more than 133,000 police officers if fewer than half of those officers have voted for us to do so.”

However Neil Bowles, chairman of South Yorkshire Police Federation, said: “I do believe this is a mandate and would be disappointed if it was not taken forward.

“The membership have spoken and should be listened to. It is not just about striking it is about the whole package of industrial rights.”

Mr Bowles added: “I am pleased with a higher turnout in South Yorkshire than the national average”.

Mr Williams, who thanked officers for voting, said he believed the vast majority of officers would view industrial action as “a last resort”.

However, he said the PFEW had a duty to take into consideration the views of the “significant number” who voted “yes” in the ballot.

The vote came after 20 per cent cuts to policing and reforms to police officer pensions, pay and conditions that have sparked unprecedented discontent and low morale.

It is currently illegal for police officers to take industrial action, with the last official strike taking place in 1919.

The National Federation’s joint central committee will now discuss the ballot result before deciding its next move.