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of Victoria the police union has secured a move to nine days and two weeks in an agreement in principle struck with the force.
The Victoria Police Association reached the agreement on Friday, also securing a phased move to nine-hour shifts and a 16 per cent pay rise over four years.
“Negotiations over the past 12 months have been long and drawn out but have ultimately produced an outcome that is good for Victoria Police, our members and the community,” union secretary Wayne Gatt said.
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“Fair pay increases and better working conditions, including moving to a nine-hour shift model, will keep our members safe at work and our overall community safe at home.”
Victoria Police has agreed to a phased approach to implementing nine-hour shifts, which would mean police would get an extra 22 days off a year.
The three-step progression will end with the introduction of nine-hour shifts no earlier than January 1, 2028, and no later than January 1, 2029, a police spokesman said.
The union also secured more benefits as part of the agreement, which members were expected to vote on.
“We are pleased to now have an agreed pathway to provide extended shifts to our members within the requirements set out in the deed signed by Victoria Police, TPAV and the Victorian Government in December last year,” the Victoria Police spokesperson said.
“This phased approach means the community needs to be assured that Victoria Police will have time to carry out the rigorous analysis and planning required to ensure community safety is not affected as extended restrictions are gradually implemented shifts.’
The months-long police dispute faced an independent arbitrator, who recommended a switch to the new system.
However, Chief Commissioner Shane Patton issued a memo to staff on 20 May saying the force was unable to accept the recommendation.
“While we have worked tirelessly to find a middle ground that meets (the union’s) demand for nine-hour shifts without compromising our ability to keep both the community and you safe, the recommendations presented to us – and I am disappointed to say is not enough,” Patton said at the time.
Victoria Police said on Friday it would work with the union to finalize the agreement.
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