Conference 2004 - Secretaries Report
I present my Annual Report on Federation activities since our last Conference in 2003.
One issue has dominated and monopolised the work of the Executive during the last year that of the withholding of payments associated with the Police Reform Package to try and force us to successfully renegotiate terms and conditions.
The Forces tactics did not work, their stance was unjustified and morally wrong. I would like to thank all the delegates and members of this Federation who voiced their support for our position during this protracted dispute.
Following threats of legal action and intense pressure from this Federation I am glad to say the Force realised that they were wrong and finally commenced paying the Reform Package.
Our position from day one of the dispute was Pay the Reform Package and we would renegotiate certain terms and conditions.
This we have done and after hard negotiations I believe we have reached an equable and sustainable agreement for both sides.
This could have been achieved over a year ago if the Force had not withheld payments.
I believe the strength and determination of the Federation in this matter will benefit us in any future negotiations the Force may wish to embark upon.
Whilst embroiled in this dispute the start of the year saw us lobbying intensively to prevent the takeover of the London Underground Area by the Metropolitan Police. I believe this would have led to the disintegration and loss of the whole Force. I can report our lobbying took us to the House of Commons, House of Lords the Labour Party Conference and the Mayor's Office, I also gave evidence to the Cross Party Select Committee on Crime. Following assurances from the Department of Transport this threat has receded.
I will move on to other issues that currently affect us.
Firstly the establishment of a properly constituted Police Authority has been delayed slightly but we welcome its constitution especially as its members will not be industry led. We have had a productive first meeting with its new Chairman Sir Alistair Graham.
Secondly the passage of the Railways and Transport Safety Bill has been monitored closely. Our concerns reference Jurisdiction, provision of British Transport Police services and a Federation negotiating structure has been brought to the attention of Parliament.
The third major issue to affect us is the current pensions deficit. I will not dwell on the intricacies of the discussions that have taken place on this subject but would like to say that the decision to substantially increase contributions, not to correct the deficit, but to maintain the fund on an even keel, was the only viable option and infinitely preferable to having a solution imposed on us by the actuary.
Whilst these major issues have preoccupied us during the last year we have managed to visit numerous Police Posts throughout the country and have attended two open meetings at Tottenham Court Road and Victoria.
The I.T. systems at Dulwich have been modernised and e-mail is being used much more frequently which can only add to our efficiency.
We continue our excellent working relationships with other national and International Federations and through our membership of E.U.R.O.C.O.P. we have a voice in the most influential body representing Police Officers in Europe.
With the advent of a new term of office we will see many new delegates, hopefully once elected they will become fully involved in Federation duties. We do have a vital role to play which has been amply demonstrated during the past year.
