Public and Commercial Services Union

PCS members in EDS/HP north east and north west branches have overwhelmingly voted to take industrial action in response to the ongoing dispute with HP.

As a result, members have agreed to commence a continuous work to rule and overtime ban commencing Tuesday 8 December 2009.

It has also been agreed that we will escalate action with a one day strike on Thursday 10 December 2009, unless there is significant movement from management on the key elements of our claim.

Further strike action may be called to supplement the ongoing work to rule and overtime ban in support of the campaign.

PCS is aware that, for many members, being in dispute with your employer may be a new experience so it is important that we explain a few points regarding the work to rule and overtime ban.

What does a work to rule mean for HP staff?

Working to rule is not as complex as it might sound. Under the work to rule in HP all that you are being asked to do is to work strictly to your terms and conditions of employment and to withdraw the goodwill that HP staff have traditionally shown towards the employer.

If it turns out that you feel there is more work coming in that you are able to do, then you simply notify your line manager that you are being overwhelmed with work – you certainly do not work extra hours or put yourself at excessive stress in order to complete tasks.

We are also asking that you observe health and safety laws (something which you are required by law to do in any case).

You are not being asked to break any law or to do anything that might get you into trouble at work. You are being asked to do your job according to your job description but no more. We are asking you to commence working to rule from Tuesday 8 December onwards.

A full checklist of what you are being asked to do is set out at the end of this circular. However if you are still not sure help is at hand.

Where can I get help and more advice?

If you need any advice or have a query on what you are being asked to do please contact your union rep immediately.

What do I do if my manager puts me under undue pressure not to follow the work to rule?

If any PCS member is put under undue pressure or coercion by line managers, PCS will not hesitate to take action. We will not tolerate bullying, harassment or coercion. You must report any such activity to your union rep immediately

What will the work to rule and overtime ban achieve?

This question should be obvious to most members, however it is perhaps helpful that to remind ourselves that without our efforts, HP do not make profits and do not deliver an accurate service to the customer.

Benefit systems, MoD systems and GM account implementation and accurate service delivery cannot be achieved without the best efforts of PCS members.

We all could give examples how we have reached a stage where it is common for us to be doing the work of two, three or more staff members.

If we simply were to concentrate on doing our own job then the impact that we would have on work levels would be huge – HP do not have a magic wand that will deliver their services for them. If they did then we would not be employed in the first place.

It is absolutely crucial then that members understand the significant impact that a work to rule and overtime ban will have. Our campaign has the potential to make a difference to the wage packets of ALL staff – from the lowest to the highest grades.

The irony is that our demands would make the biggest difference to the pay packets of the higher grades rather than the lower grades so we would hope that ALL staff and management support and adhere to the industrial action.

What are the next steps?

If HP call further talks on redundancies or pay, the PCS team will obviously be happy to attend. We will continue to meet HP on the basis of hoping for the best while preparing for the worst and will communicate any progress made to members.

Whether sufficient progress can be made that would be sufficient for us to either postpone or call off action, and hold a further ballot of members remains to be seen.

Further PCS updates will be issued as necessary as we build the campaign for fair and equal pay for all towards the industrial action from the 8th December 2009 and the strike day on the 10 December 2009.

All members' meetings will also be convened as and when required. It is important that we all play our part in the campaign, fully support the terms of the industrial action and attend members meetings when arranged.

If you are not already a member of PCS then I would suggest now is the time to join. For a membership form, please contact your local rep.

Finally if you are unsure what to do – ask your union rep.

Please note this is a legally balloted dispute and you are being asked legitimately to take action.

Remember - you are not being asked to break any law or to do anything that might get you in trouble at work.

You are being asked to do your job, fulfil your job description but nothing more. We all know that without goodwill and flexibility that service delivery will be impacted.

Look out for yourself - support your colleagues.

Demand fair and equal pay and no more compulsory redundancies from HP - work to rule.