CONADENTIAL
V
10
(c)
discussions are taking place with H.A.D. concerning possible in-service appointment of suitable P.I.'s as Chinese Language Officers.
Current situation
24.
As no offer of pay improvement has been given, industrial action (work-to-rule) is being taken by the Police Interpreters. They refuse to translate cautioned statements and they refuse to work shifts in CID. Also about 75% of the P.I.s on duty staged a token sit-in from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on 31.10.78. Initial indications are that alternative arrangements made by the Police are ensuring there is no serious loss in efficiency and they can cope, although the P.I.s' refusal to translate statements for courts may cause some delays in getting papers assembled in time and this could gradually get worse.
25.
The P.I.s will hold an Extraordinary General Meeting on 5.11.78, which will be followed by a press conference. It is likely that they will stage more sit-ins.
26.
There have been a number of meetings between the Police and the Association, and informal contacts will continue in an attempt to find a solution to the problem. Relativities with the Clerical Grade mean there is virtually no room for manoeuvre on pay.
Civil Service Branch 3.11.78
CONFIDENTIAL