South Yorkshire Police (SYP) Witness Liaison Officers begin balloting for strike action on pay today [Friday]
GMB members in the Witness Liaison team are demanding their pay match that of their pees in West Yorkshire Police, who are paid up to £5,000 more per year,despite having the exact same job role and responsibilities.
Witness Liaison Officers provide support and assistance to victims and witnesses throughout the criminal justice process, often speaking with and supporting highly vulnerable individuals including rape, domestic violence and child abuse victims.
The ballot will close on 5 October. If successful, strike action can be expected next month.
Joe Wheatley, GMB Organiser, said:
"South Yorkshire Police Management are setting low value standards when it comes to the workers who help some of the most traumatised and vulnerable in our community.
“GMB members have been forced to take this action after being let down time and time again by South Yorkshire Police bosses.
“Industrial action will inevitably lead to chaos in our justice system, which is entirely down to SYP’s failure to take our concerns seriously.”
