ANY move by police officers to go on strike should their Special Duty Allowances (SDA) are not paid by this week is deemed illegal.
Commissioner of Police Frank Prendergast revealed this following reports the officers may not turn up for duty if their outstanding allowances are not paid this pay day.
“Any move by the police to go on strike is illegal under the Police Act 2013.”
The police chief also highlighted none of the disgruntled officers have approached him to discuss their grievances.
Prendergast stressed the strike is illegal and police will not tolerate such behavior.
He pointed out that police is a disciplinary force of the government therefore it is illegal for them to protest or go on strike on any issue of grievance relating to their job.
However, Prendergast assured the officers that their concerns will be settled tomorrow.
Meanwhile Permanent Secretary (PS) for the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS) Edmond Sikua confirmed the special duty allowances will be paid this Thursday.
He confirmed to the paper the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) has sent him an email yesterday confirming the allowance payment for police will be released this Thursday.
However, Sikua is unhappy with the way some police officers have behaved, adding they should not resort to the media on matters that could be dealt with their boss.
“We have been working hard throughout this month to settle the payments therefore we see no reason why they should resort to the media to continue raise their grievances and issue threat.
“Some people want to make none issues to be an issue, which is unacceptable for a group like the disciplinary force who should bear with the administrative work to disburse payment accordingly in the timing of our financial processes.”
Mr Sikua concluded they will always stand to protect the rights of the police officers in regards to their entitlements for their special duties, but they urged all officers to discuss with their superiors on any issue of disagreement, rather than going to the media.
By AATAI JOHN
