Outsourced PCS members further escalate dispute over pay, terms and conditions

PCS members working at the Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office in East Kilbride have announced a further fifteen days of strike action.

Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) members working at the Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office in East Kilbride have announced a further fifteen days of strike action.
 
Outsource giant OCS has refused to talk to PCS and, over recent strike dates, delivered minimal service levels to FCDO.
 
In addition to five days of strikes in September and eight days planned for the month of October, PCS members working as cleaners and caterers at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in East Kilbride have just announced a further 15 days: 29, 30, 31 October; 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 November).
 
Not only is OCS wasting taxpayers’ money as it scrabbles to find cover on these strike days, they are refusing to discuss the dispute with PCS. It is now in their interests to meet PCS to negotiate a resolution to the dispute or they will face further disruption.
 
PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “OCS relies on profits from government contracts but they can no longer rely on under-paying its workers. Our members have huge support and they will win in their fight for justice.”
 
ends
 
There will be picket lines held on all dates between 7.30am and 10am at Abercrombie House, Eaglesham Rd, East Kilbride, G75 8EA. Email press@pcs.org.uk to arrange interviews with strikers.