Public and Commercial Services Union

All pay negotiators met at PCS headquarters this week following a meeting of the national executive committee. Because of the continuing delay in publishing new Treasury Pay Guidance, and concern that the national agreement must be honoured, it was decided that further pressure will be used to unlock the delay and make progress on pay more quickly. The NEC also agreed that a strategy be prepared for countering potential attacks on Public Sector pay and services arising from the economic crisis.

More fine words

Prime Minister, Gordon Brown this week spoke of his gratitude to Jobcentre Plus staff for providing “real help now” during the economic down turn.
Mr. Brown invited advisers from around the country to an evening reception at Downing Street to thank them for their efforts.

More money needed

Now every level of management, every minister up to and including Gordon Brown has recognised the tremendous work being done by members in DWP to cope with the economic crisis.

PCS believes it is high time they acknowledged our hard work with better pay. We will be making exactly this point in a letter the GEC are sending to Permanent Secretary Leigh Lewis this week.

DWP GEC meets and agrees to continue talks

While PCS and DWP management are waiting for the Treasury remit to be cleared nationally, talks aimed at improving pay related terms and conditions issues are continuing in DWP. These talks cover PDS, managing attendance, family friendly policies, job security and improving employee relations.

Whilst the GEC was disappointed that an acceptable offer had not yet been received they agreed to allow the talks to continue over the next 2 weeks as they were reported to still be making positive progress.

The GEC also agreed to reconvene when an offer was received or if the negotiators believe an acceptable offer will not be forthcoming.

Several meetings with DWP management have been scheduled for the next fortnight to work on an improved offer and take forward members concerns.

Together we will win.