Public and Commercial Services Union

• Two day strike 8 and 9 March
• Overtime ban from 10 March
• Say no to job cuts on the cheap

Ballot result

Members have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action to defend the civil service compensation scheme (CSCS) from the employer’s disgraceful attack on its provisions. 63.4% those who voted supported strike action and 81.4% voted in favour of action short of a strike.

Our national executive (NEC) has decided to kick off the programme of action with a two-day strike on 8 and 9 March 2010 which includes members in the Home Office.

Overtime ban

The NEC has also decided to call a national overtime ban from 10 March as part of our action short of a strike.

Further action

Should there be no substantive movement by the employer, the NEC will be further strike action in the week beginning 15 March.

Negotiations and concessions

Despite previously saying on a number of occasions that it had reached its ‘final position’, the government has moved from its original draconian proposals and offered some degree of protection to some existing civil and public servants.

These concessions have been won by the resolute opposition of PCS members. However, the concessions would still leave tens of thousands of PCS members unprotected.

Fight for jobs

Accepting divisive cuts in so many people’s entitlements would weaken the whole union and make job losses and compulsory redundancy much more likely at a time when we know that the major political parties are planning such cuts.

Legal action

PCS has launched legal action to try to defend the provisions of the scheme. Together with our sister union NIPSA, we are launching a judicial review. We will continue to pursue all avenues open to us to defend members’ interests.

Government denies MPs a vote

As a result of the lobbying work carried out by the union, 151 MPs have signed an early day motion calling on the government to change course. In light of the fierce opposition, the government refused to allow MPs a vote or a debate on the issue in parliament. They know that there is huge political support for PCS's position.

General election year – lobby your MP

There is clearly vast political support for our position and members should continue to lobby their MP. It is inevitable that MPs will be more receptive to our concerns in the run-up to a general election and we must make the most of that opportunity.

March 2010 – a key month

The run up to the general election provides us with a significant opportunity to make progress. That is why the NEC has called a more intensive period of industrial action than normal. There is a real chance to put pressure on the government to agree a negotiated settlement. In order to do this, members need to support the action and become engaged in the campaign.

Withdrawal of goodwill

We are now in the fight of our lives to defend our jobs and terms and conditions. Weakening of the provisions of the compensation scheme will encourage employers to make job cuts on the cheap. That is why the changes are being made. Nobody is safe.

In such a climate, it is incumbent upon PCS members to do all they can to defend their livelihoods. Members should therefore ensure that all goodwill towards the employer is withdrawn until such time as we achieve a decent settlement.

Unity is strength

Maximum unity is required if we are to win this dispute. We urge all members to support the action in order to pressurise the government into making the necessary further concessions.