Stefanovic: Police strike is illegal

Stefanovic: Police strike is illegal

"The Autonomous Police Union presented on September 16 an incomplete decision to go on strike, without a strike committee, which is required by law, and strike location, while the remaining unions have not delivered their decision to go on strike to this day," he told at a news conference, adding that he was in dialogue with the unions, and that he would remain so.

Based on the strike law, those who have been on strike so far will not get paid, he stated and called on the police officers on strike to go back to work.
"Even if the strike were legal, it is perfectly clear that the officers who refused to work will not get paid for the days they were on strike," he pointed out.

There is no room for a pay increase, because the government cannot afford it, Stefanovic stressed.
"I call on all the police officers who know what a badge and uniform meanto retunr to their work, and I will talk to the trade unions about ways of improving their situation and work conditions," he said.

New uniforms should be delivered in late November of early December, he stated.

The trade unions that have been on strike since September 26 want an extention of the special collective agreement until a new one is signed, payments of all overdue salaries and bonuses and for the interior minister to vouch that the planned salary cuts in the public sector would not apply to the police.