A: I only joined after the ballot result was announced, am I still protected?
Yes, you are, and we welcome your support. You can join by requesting a membership form online or by asking for one from any of your workplace representatives.
When requesting a form online, please indicate if you are on 'standard' or 'image' terms, so the correct membership form can be sent.
B: Can I be sacked for going on strike?
A long as the union has complied with the law in calling strike action, union members are protected from dismissal or victimisation by the employer.
It is automatically unfair to dismiss an employee for taking part in lawful strike action, and this protection continues for 12 weeks after the action is concluded.
Even after 12 weeks it is possible to make claims if dismissal is because of taking part in a strike.
It is the union’s normal practice to negotiate a “no victimisation” clause as part of a return to work agreement on the settlement of a strike.
There have been occasions in the past where disciplinary action has been taken because of activities related to a strike – for example, for alleged misbehaviour on a picket line.
But these cases are rare, and vigorously defended by the union.
C: I'm not a union member, but I support the action. Can I take part?
Unfortunately not. Management could take action against you for unauthorised absence, and as you are not a member, we wouldn’t be able to help you.
But you can still join now and take part. Then you would be protected – and we can help you with future employment problems.
D: Is it true that taking part could count against me in any future redundancy round?
Management are not allowed to coerce you into not supporting the strike. If any threats are made, make a note and inform your rep immediately.
E: What are the rules about picket lines?
Your local reps will have detailed guidance about picket lines, and you should ask them if you have any concerns.
Generally, peaceful picketing is quite legal. We normally inform the police if we’re mounting a picket line, and co-operate with any potential difficulties.
Rules about picket numbers can vary according to the circumstances, but generally the normal limit is six.
You can seek to persuade members not to go into work, but you cannot force them not to, nor should you threaten them if persuasion doesn’t work.
People employed on the same site but by another employer aren’t allowed to take part in the action.
You may attempt to persuade other trade unionists not employed on the site not to cross the picket line – for example, making deliveries.
F: Can I go on strike if I'm on leave?
We understand that management will honour previously booked leave – but you will only count as being on strike if you cancel your leave.
If you are on leave, you’re free to show support for the action in any reasonable way.
G: I work five days compressed into four - what will I lose if I go on strike?
The normal hours that you would have worked on the strike day.
H: Is it true management have given a no compulsory redundancy guarantee for DWP?
No. It is true that compulsory redundancies have been minimised on the DWP account, but not everyone has been covered, for example standard terms members and members 'on the bench'.
I: Has the company negotiated on pay for 2009/10?
There have been discussions, but feedback from members is that the offer is not enough and there are too many strings attached.
J: Isn't this just an Image dispute?
No. Our demands are for the pay freeze to be lifted, and a job security agreement to be negotiated for all members.
K: I've been told you never get back the money you lose by going on strike.
We’re trying to keep any sacrifice to the least needed to have the biggest impact.
But the current pay freeze affects redundancy entitlement and pension, as well as take home pay. Getting the pay freeze lifted will affect all three.
L: Will there be further strikes after 22 January?
Your representatives will be evaluating the success of the day, and consulting about future action.
We will give you as much notice as possible, but will only take strike action if management refuse to talk to us.
M: What is happening with the rest of our members?
The announcement that the pay freeze will extend throughout 2010 has angered members in many parts of the country, and we are considering widening the action if the company refuses to enter negotiations.
N: Are we publicising what action we're taking?
Yes, we are issuing press releases which have been picked up by news agencies, specialist, regional and national press. We expect further coverage for the strike.
We’re also keeping members in DWP informed, as well as trade unionists in HP throughout the UK and Europe.
We have taken the issue to a number of MPs, and will use any opportunity to put forward our case against the company’s totally unreasonable actions on jobs and pay.
