Public and Commercial Services Union

Industrial action on the Civil Service Compensation Scheme

The Government’s proposed changes to the civil service compensation scheme (CSCS) threaten to drastically cut compensation payments for the majority of PCS members in the event of redundancy, whether compulsory or voluntary.

The changes are clearly designed to help make job cuts on the cheap at a time when we know the political parties are all talking about massive public spending cuts after the next general election.

It will also open the way to more privatisation of our jobs as the cuts in terms and conditions will be attractive to private companies, seeking to make a profit at the expense of our livelihoods.

The NEC has agreed to instigate a judicial review of the Government’s proposals to remove members’ accrued rights under the CSCS, and is determined to protect members’ existing entitlements and provide for acceptable protection for members in the nuvos pension scheme.

Negotiations with Ministers and senior officials at the Cabinet Office have not so far been successful. While the union continues to seek an agreement, it is vital that as much pressure as possible is exerted before the changes are implemented in April. 

The NEC therefore agreed to ballot members for industrial action. The NEC agreed that the action, if it became necessary, should be a combination of national strike action, a national overtime ban, and possibly action in different departments. We urge you to vote YES to both questions and join with 270,000 other PCS members in taking action to protect our compensation scheme, our jobs and services. More information is available on the CSCS pages.

Pay

Inflation is likely to rise sharply in the coming months with estimates suggesting it will average above 3% throughout 2010. Despite this the Treasury is proposing basic awards of between 0% and 1%. Most units will be negotiating pay this year, and therefore a significant majority of members would face a pay cap at a time of rising inflation under the Government’s proposals.

A draft 2010 pay claim was agreed by the NEC which calls for a 3% basic increase, with a minimum underpin of £1,200, so that low paid members benefit most.

Campaign Strategy

The NEC discussed the onslaught facing members, with all major parties threatening cuts, privatisations and attacks on pay and pensions in the run- up to the General Election. The General Secretary will present a Campaign Strategy paper to the March NEC to consider the economic, political and industrial situation facing the union.

Political Campaigning

General Secretary Mark Serwotka gave a verbal report to the NEC on the Consultation with branches on ADC Motion A72 on political campaigning. The consultation is on the question of whether the union should support trade union candidates in elections.

The NEC agreed that all branches should be encouraged to discuss the
consultation document and to respond to the consultation by 23rd February 2010. You can email your responses to A72consultation@pcs.org.uk or submit them online via the consultation page.

Fighting the fascists

With a General election taking place in the first half of 2010, Deputy General secretary hugh lanning presented a paper on the union’s anti- racist and anti-fascist strategy.

The NEC agreed to sponsor initiatives from unite against fascism (UAF) and searchlight to support specific publicity and events, including a letter to first time voters in Barking and Dagenham, and sponsorship of the UAF conference on 13th February 2010.

Trade Union Co-ordinating Group (TUCG)

The NEC had previously agreed to support and to send a delegation to the TUGG Convention on 6th March 2010. At the January NEC, it was agreed to send a resolution to the Convention opposing cuts, privatisation and a pay freeze and advocating co-ordinated industrial action where necessary.

The tuCG brings together eight trade unions (BFAWU, FBU, NAPO, NUJ, PCS, POA, RMT and URTU) to campaign on areas of common concern.

In brief

Justice for Jane

PCS weymouth land Registry branch secretary Jane Brooke was dismissed by her employer in November 2009. The union believes Jane was victimised by management because of her union activities. The NEC agreed to financially support Jane until her internal appeals and employment tribunal process is concluded.

Cuts at HMRC

The NEC condemned the cuts announcement from HM revenue & Customs during the NEC, which will mean 130 offices being closed and 1700 members losing their jobs. The NEC will be working with the Group to defend services and jobs and to resist the cuts.

The cuts policy is entirely counterproductive when there is a huge national debt, and £27.7bn of tax goes uncollected, and nearly £100bn is evaded or avoided.

Mark Serwotka re-elected

The President congratulated Mark Serwotka on behalf of the NEC on his re-election as General Secretary in December 2009 for another five year term. the NEC looks forward to continuing working with Mark to defend members’ interests.