Victoria Police hit 'breaking point' as industrial action ramps up

Police members in Victoria are preparing to walk off the job for the first time in 25 years as they fight for better pay and working conditions.

Police Association Secretary Wayne Gatt said officers would stop work at the police academy along with a number of stations, including Broadmeadows, on Thursday.

"Our members are struggling financially, and they are struggling at the workplace due to the pressure they're under," Gatt said in a statement.

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The action comes just two months after rejecting the government's offer, which offered a three per cent pay rise and a nine-day fortnight.

Nurses and midwives accepted a 28.4 per cent pay rise over four years from the government in September.

Gatt said members deserved a better pay deal.

"More than a thousand vacancies, a worrying attrition rate and hundreds of police off on long-term sick leave, means they're doing more work than they ever have for less," Gatt said.

"Now, they're taking back some of a precious commodity that their employer has long taken from them for free – their time.

"The public needn't be concerned that their safety will be compromised – our members will always have the back of their community."

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Under the proposed action, police will stop work for 30 minutes.

"If a triple zero call for assistance comes in during a work stoppage, members will respond," Gatt said.

"The community is certainly not the target here, in fact their support has been appreciated by our members. The target here is the employer and the government."