Traffic officers might strike to get batons

Press, 3 February 1986, Page 4

Traffic officers might strike to get batons

PA Wellington Some traffic officers are considering strike action unless something is done urgently to combat assaults on officers. The national secretary of the traffic officers subgroup of the Public Service Association, Mr John Robson, said last evening that calls for some form of weapon for officers had come mainly from Auckland, but a “chain reaction” from officers in the rest of New Zealand was likely to follow. Auckland motorway, South Auckland and Henderson officers have voted unanimously to demand that the Minstry of Trans-

port urgently supply them with the means to combat assaults. Protection in the form of batons, Mace cannisters and electronic devices to administer shocks was called for. Mr Robson said officers were angry about assaults, and their anger should be taken seriously. “They are talking ofindustrial action at the moment, but it is fairly unchannelled ... some groups are saying direct (strike) action is a possibility if there is not direct action for their safety.”

The issue would be examined tomorrow at a meeting of the sub-group’s

central committee. Deputy Chief Traffic Superintendent Henry Gore said he could not comment on the call for weapons because it might jeopardise any negotiations. “The question of assaults has concerned traffic officers for some time... the problem arises basically with alcohol-impaired drivers and obviously we can’t do much to influence the behaviour of this small number of the public.” Mr Gore said batons had been called for some years ago, but the proposal had not been implemented.