The Labourer is worthy of his hire

As I write this today there is a sense of the dust settling and an entrenchment on both sides of what has now become a pay dispute. The immediate consequencece of the Home Secretary's decision not to pay the 2.5% increase from 1st September, effectively reducing the rise to 1.9% until the next pay round is one thing. But that in itself is not what is really at the root of the anger and dismay felt by the Federated ranks. What has really upset them is the cavalier disregard of mechanisms which were put in place years ago - which have been tried and tested -and seen by most police officers to result in fair and equitable pay awards since and which reflect the simple fact that is unlawful to withdraw their balour.

From speaking to police officers over the last few days I know that the feelings of betrayal and unfairness, of being devalued and railroaded, some said 'treated like dirt' spell trouble for this Home Secretary and this administration.

So this has led me to reflect and not only to reflect but also to take action...

In Luke 10:7 we read, 'for the labourer is worthy of his hire' - and I can't think of any people more worthy of their hire than those men and women who daily serve us and protect us as far as they are able.

The 'Message' renders the passage in Romans 13:4 as 'The police aren't there just to be admired in their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it.' If we take this as it is written it is a solemn warning for those who try to interfere with the well-being of such people.

I also remember in times past how many police officers suddenly discovered that they could actually find useful and well-remunerated work in other professions and it took years to recover police numbers and millions to be spent in training. I hope that we are not about to see this pattern repeated because of what at the end of the day seems to be a 'hit' by the government on a soft target to save a drop in the ocean (please excuse all the metaphors) .

So to the action... The MP for this area is a friend and a local lad. The Federation Inspector and I have an appointment with him on Monday morning to see if he needs persuading to join the Labour ministers and others who will support the early day motion in the House of Commons next week.

Question - Is this the kind of support that the Police Chaplain should be giving? Answers on a post card etc...




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