Public and Commercial Services Union

Negotiations began in June on a raft of residual non core terms and conditions left over from “The Deal” discussions of 2007. By the end of the process we aim to achieve a coherence across the range of previous arrangements taking account of the best arrangements currently available.

The Departmental Trade Union Side (DTUS) and management have jointly agreed a timetable between now and the end of September to conclude discussions. Uppermost, in terms of urgency, is the issue of Mileage Rates, given the rising cost of motoring. We have advised the employer that we will require their initial proposals no later than 8th August. At its July meeting, the PCS Group Executive Committee (GEC) agreed to consider balloting members (or groups of members) for industrial action short of strike action if this deadline is not met

Other issues being discussed include:

• Maternity arrangements • Standby and callout • Unsocial hours
• Adoption arrangements • Lease cars • Call-out • IT mainframe call-out
• Paternity arrangements • Essential car user Allowance • Escort duty • Travel / subsistence • Keyholder allowance
 

As some of the above will constitute contractual changes, the GEC has undertaken to hold a ballot of members in September (or at the conclusion of negotiations) on the whole package, with the exception of mileage rates if agreement can be reached sooner.