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<\/p>\nRANK and file cops are to vote on whether to seek the right to strike, it was revealed today.<\/p>\n
The Police Federation announced its 145,000 members in England and Wales will be asked if they wish to reserve the power to take industrial action in future.<\/p>\n
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Cops are currently barred from striking as they are servants of the Crown rather than employees, but the Fed is taking legal advice from a senior lawyer on available options.<\/p>\n
This could include measures such as working to rule which would leave policing cover short in many forces.<\/p>\n
It follows the recent mass temporary walkout by around 300 Met firearms officers in protest at a colleague being charged with the murder of rapper Chris Kaba, 24.<\/p>\n
The Fed – which represents cops up to the rank of chief inspector – said they had been forced into holding the industrial action ballot after repeated requests for better pay and conditions were ignored by the Government.<\/p>\n
They said in a statement: \u201cThe Government\u2019s neglect has resulted in a growing sense of anger and frustration among our membership.\u201d<\/p>\n
The rank and file staff association added that it \u201cis simply responding to its members\u2019 very legitimate expectations and aspirations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fed national chair Steve Hartshorn welcomed this year\u2019s pay increase but said that according to the Social Market Foundation, \u201cwe are at least 17% behind where we should be."<\/p>\n
He told Home Secretary Suella Braverman on the second day of the Fed\u2019s annual conference, being held online: \u201cYou know that, as an organisation, we have for the first time in many years been talking about seeking greater industrial rights.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have seen the industrial unrest this year and seen how it has helped some unions lever greater negotiation with the Government.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know where these conversations will lead, and it is for the membership to determine our direction.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut be assured, this comes because our members feel there has been a real breakdown in the special relationship that has existed between governments of all political colours and the police.<\/p>\n
\u201cA recognition, appreciation and value placed on the fact that police officers do not have access to the same industrial rights as many other public sector workers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Hartshorn also called for the \u201cbest possible protective kit and equipment,\u201d the removal of red tape hindering officers and a \u201cfair, open and transparent process of vetting and time limits on misconduct investigations.\u201d<\/p>\n
He repeated a previous request for a posthumous award to be given for emergency service workers killed in the line of duty.<\/p>\n
Mr Hartshorn said it was necessary as a form of state recognition \u201cwhen someone dies doing their job keeping our communities safe and protecting the public.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Braverman said she hoped to announce \u201csomething soon\u201d on medals for emergency workers killed in action.<\/p>\n
She said: \u201cIt is always deeply sobering – and moving \u2013 to hear the roll call of officers who have fallen in the line of duty in the past year.<\/p>\n
\u201cWords cannot do justice to the debt we owe them, nor to how keenly we feel for their colleagues and loved ones.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey will be forever cherished.<\/p>\n
\u201cI support your campaign for a medal for heroes. There is a consensus across government that this needs to happen – and I hope we will be able to announce something soon.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Home Secretary added: \u201cI have heard your concerns that you are not being treated fairly, and that processes overlap and take too long."<\/p>\n
She said she was pleased to be able to prioritise a rise this year \u201cfor some of the most selfless, outstanding professionals among us,\u201d but stressed: \u201cWe are in a tough economic climate.\u201d<\/p>\n