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PCS Wales campaign bulletin: members tell government, 'you can't steal our redundancy rights!'

10 March 2010

PCS members from workplaces across Wales have sent a sent a clear rebuke to the government over its plans to cut redundancy entitlements without the union's agreement.

In two days of strike action on 8 and 9 March, jobcentres, tax offices, law courts and offices of the Welsh Assembly Government – among many others – were hit by stoppages supported by a clear majority of our members.

From Cardiff to Carmarthen and from Wrexham to Swansea, the hard work of PCS branch reps paid off, as picket-lines reinforced the message that civil and public servants are angry about the attempt to take away their accrued rights and get job cuts on the cheap.

The most impressive demonstration of the effectiveness of our action came as the National Assembly in Cardiff Bay was shut on Tuesday after Labour and Plaid Cymru AMs indicated that they would not cross picket-lines, causing Assembly business to be deferred to the following day.

Support from politicians was also demonstrated by speakers at our two well-attended rallies on Monday, in Cardiff and Swansea: Leanne Wood, Plaid Cymru AM and chair of our Assembly cross-party group, spoke in Cardiff, along with Merthyr Labour MP, Dai Havard.

And in Swansea, Edwina Hart – Labour AM for Gower and Assembly Health minister – gave her support, together with Plaid AM, Nerys Evans. Solidarity messages were also conveyed at the rallies by representatives of Unison, the RMT and the NUJ. 

A message from PCS Wales secretary, Peter Harris:

'At the PCS rally in Cardiff, I said that I was proud to be your Wales Secretary at this important moment in our union’s history.

‘Proud is how I feel about the response we have received from our members in the recent ballot and their support for the two day strike. I am also proud of our union representatives in Wales who argued our case in the workplace and stood on our picket lines in the cold. You should also feel proud that you are doing everything possible to defend members’ contractual terms and conditions. It is what being a union rep is all about.

‘We have won the arguments in the press and in our lobby of Parliament. We have gained the support of Welsh politicians who refused to cross our picket-line at the Senedd. Many of them have sent us messages of support and visited our picket lines. Can I take this opportunity to thank them and the support also given by the Wales TUC and other unions and trades councils. Lastly, may I also thank my PCS colleagues who have all made this campaign and dispute their number one priority and gone the extra mile. Again it makes me feel proud.’

Some solidarity messages...

"Across the public sector, many of us are facing similar attacks and it is vital that we support each other and stand together. Your fight is also our fight."

Ronnie Job, Secretary Swansea Trades Council

"We wish you every success in your struggle to stop what would be damaging changes to terms and conditions in their tracks. Journalists have taken strike action in recent years and have been very appreciative of the solidarity shown by PCS members."

Ken Smith, Chairman NUJ Wales

"Good luck in getting the positive result and action you so badly need to fight your corner."

Steve Richards, branch secretary, RMT Newport

"The Branch Secretary and members of the CWU local postal branch send messages of solidarity and support to PCS in a time of immense need for solidarity in the face of severe government cuts."
Amarjite Singh, CWU branch secretary, Cardiff 

  PCS Wales campaign bulletin - March 2010

Stop press: the NEC has now decided on a further day’s strike action – all out on 24 March – keep up the pressure on the government.

 

 

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