Review of 12-hour rosters  

The process of the Victoria Police Force assessing 12-hour rosters is causing concern in a number of workplaces. In the Association’s view, members are justifiably concerned at the motivation behind the review of many existing rosters.  

While the Force has the prerogative to undertake reviews of its operations on an ongoing basis, the Association will continue to hold it to account where it seeks to change existing rosters, which can only be done legitimately if it follows due process and satisfies one of a range of criteria set out in the industrial agreement, as follows: 

• There is mutual agreement between the Workplace Manager and employees; or

• There is a bona fide health and safety issue; or

• The variable roster is failing to meet service delivery requirements of the work area; or

• The variable roster is failing to meet the objectives of the business case proposal; or

• There is a change in station profile (example - 16 hour station to 24 hour station). 

In appreciating the emotion surrounding this issue, members are best advised to remain vigilant through their local rostering working group to ensure that everything is being done in line with the above criteria to retain their existing roster system.  

At the same time, the Association will continue to monitor the situation and act where appropriate - as we have done on numerous occasions to date through the Australian Industrial Relations Commission - where we believe the Force to be in breach of the agreement. 

Members are reminded to contact the Association immediately for assistance should their local Command threaten to terminate a roster system against their will.

  Greg Davies