#fines #minor #violations
ANPE An officer writes a ticket
NOS News•today, 4:05 PM•Adjusted today, 4:59 PM
Police unions are calling on officers not to hand out fines for minor violations from next Tuesday. Discussions with employers and the cabinet about a new Early Retirement Scheme (RVU) have reached a standstill.
The unions had given an ultimatum to outgoing Minister Schouten (Poverty Policy, Participation and Pensions) to come up with an attractive early retirement scheme before Tuesday. “There has been no response whatsoever,” says a spokesperson for the unions and project leader of the Police in Action group. “The negotiations have come to a complete standstill, which is why we have now decided to call on our members to take action.”
No fine, but receipt with information
Instead of a fine, officers participating in the campaign will give violators a ticket with information about their action. Examples of minor offenses include cycling without lights, urinating in public and public intoxication.
A spokesperson for Minister Schouten told NOS that he will invite employers and employees “in the very short term” for further discussions “about how the retirement age can be reached in a healthy way”. The spokesperson did not give an exact date.
Heavy professions
The RVU is a scheme that stems from the 2019 Pension Agreement, intended for demanding professions. Those who qualify for the RVU can stop working three years earlier. However, there is a lot dissatisfaction about the precise terms of the scheme. According to trade unions, too many people are short of money at the end of the month due to the scheme.
“Apparently it takes a lot to convince employers and politicians that police work is hard work,” says a statement from Politie in Actie. “It seems necessary that decision makers and policy makers not only hear but also feel. Where it hurts them most: in their wallets,” the unions said.
No end date promotion
The unions say they will continue with the action until there is a result. “If necessary, we will increase the pressure further and the tone of the actions will become even tougher.”
The unions say that it is up to officers themselves to determine whether they will issue a fine or a ‘promotional ticket’.
