[UK] ‘Massive yes vote’ for civil service strike action

The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) ballot for strike action in the UK civil service and related areas over pay, pensions, jobs and redundancy terms closed on November 7 and the ballot papers have now been counted, PCS reports.

The PCS says it has achieved a "fantastic result" with a massive 86.2 per cent average Yes vote for industrial action across the areas balloted, the highest percentage vote in the union’s history.

The votes of members in each individual employer were counted separately.

126 employer areas reportedly crossed the 50 per cent turnout threshold required by law for strike action and returned a majority Yes vote, meaning industrial action can be held in these employer areas.

The average turnout across all balloted areas was 51.6 per cent.

According to the PCS, it is now in a position to call for significant industrial action in support of its claim for a 10 per cent pay rise, pensions justice, job security and no cuts to redundancy terms.

The PCS national executive committee (NEC) has reportedly sent a letter to the Cabinet Office demanding meaningful negotiations on its claim. It says the NEC will agree a programme of industrial action at its meeting on November 18 unless substantial proposals are received from the government. 

Action involving all members in the areas which meet the legal requirements would be called to have the maximum effect, including coordinated action with other unions.

The union says it will offer financial support to members taking sustained action in targeted areas to put major pressure on the Government.

The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) ballot for strike action in the UK civil service and related areas over pay, pensions, jobs and redundancy terms closed on November 7 and the ballot papers have now been counted, PCS reports.

The PCS says it has achieved a "fantastic result" with a massive 86.2 per cent average Yes vote for industrial action across the areas balloted, the highest percentage vote in the union’s history.

The votes of members in each individual employer were counted separately.

126 employer areas reportedly crossed the 50 per cent turnout threshold required by law for strike action and returned a majority Yes vote, meaning industrial action can be held in these employer areas.

The average turnout across all balloted areas was 51.6 per cent.

According to the PCS, it is now in a position to call for significant industrial action in support of its claim for a 10 per cent pay rise, pensions justice, job security and no cuts to redundancy terms.

The PCS national executive committee (NEC) has reportedly sent a letter to the Cabinet Office demanding meaningful negotiations on its claim. It says the NEC will agree a programme of industrial action at its meeting on November 18 unless substantial proposals are received from the government. 

Action involving all members in the areas which meet the legal requirements would be called to have the maximum effect, including coordinated action with other unions.

The union says it will offer financial support to members taking sustained action in targeted areas to put major pressure on the Government.