23.03.12
Should police officers have the right to strike?
Members of the Police Federation are currently being balloted on whether they feel they want the right to strike. Whether legislation will follow their decision is another story altogether.
It is surprising in some ways that the current system prevents the police from taking industrial action. Of course they are necessary members of the public sector, meaning that a strike would prove very challenging for the Government.
But other vital professions such as doctors and teachers have the right to strike; and their use of this right can indeed be significantly disruptive.
With so many instances of unions resorting to threats of strikes at every little exasperation, it is understandable that Government would be reluctant to hand over such control to yet another crucial service.
And yet, especially with the huge cuts seen by this Government to the police force, perhaps it is something that would lead to improvements, by challenging the changes politicians may wish to impose.
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