Vic Police union action likely

Victoria faces more public sector industrial action as unions push for pay deals a year after helping elect Premier Daniel Andrews.

Victorian police are threatening to flash their lights to warn drivers about hidden cameras as industrial action heats up.

The United Firefighters Union is also planning action as the government says it is a long way from reaching a new pay deal.

The CFMEU and taxi drivers also protested on Tuesday as Victoria's year of union controversies continued.

Public safety won't be affected if police put work bans in place, Police Association secretary Ron Iddles promised.

"If anything, our roads will be safer during industrial action," he told AAP.

"Our members will be focused on slowing drivers down, particularly ahead of speed cameras, and the only casualty in this will be government revenue."

Police action will include officers flashing their lights before speed cameras, not issuing speeding fines, and a ban on working unpaid overtime.

CFMEU members blocked Melbourne's court precinct on Tuesday as boss John Setka thanked them for their support on his way to court.

"This will never be forgotten," he said.

Hundreds booed as he described being arrested in front of his kids on Sunday.

Mr Setka and his deputy Shaun Reardon faced court charged with one count each of blackmail, stemming from allegations before the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption.

Premier Daniel Andrews said he supported the right of CFMEU workers to protest peacefully.

"I have not seen footage of it but I've been informed it was a peaceful protest," he said.

"I think every Victorian supports the right to peacefully protest."

Mr Andrews relied heavily on union support in his 2014 election campaign, and one year on is facing increasing pressure from them to deliver on pay deals.

The state had a drawn-out public fight with the Rail, Tram and Bus Union but managed to hold firm with the ambulance union, offering three per cent annual pay increases.

POLICE ACTION WILL INCLUDE:

* Ban on sharing information or advice to other government departments or agencies

* Officers not attending Supreme or County Courts as informants or witnesses, or serving subpoenas or transporting witnesses for the Office of Public Prosecutions

* Alerting the community to speed cameras by flashing their lights nearby, including in school zones

* Bans on all forms of penalty notices, including those generated by traffic camera.

FIREFIGHTERS INDUSTRIAL ACTION:

* Paper work bans

* Refusing to do paper work that charges fees for the those who call in a false alarm.


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Source: AAP


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