Parliament security officers begin re‑ballot for strike action

Security officers at the Palace of Westminster have begun re‑balloting for industrial action until 12 March, amid an escalating dispute over frozen pay, long shifts, delayed breaks, and what PCS describes as a “toxic, anti‑union culture” within the Parliamentary Security Department (PSD) and the House of Commons.

Welfare concerns have become central to the dispute. Following the introduction of 12-hour shifts during the Covid period, members lost annual leave entitlement and are now reporting increasingly punishing working patterns. Some officers have described rota changes that left them working up to five hours without a break including no opportunity to use the restroom.

Another troubling aspect of this dispute is the prolonged stagnation of pensionable pay since 2019, leaving staff feeling undervalued and financially strained. As well as concerns about the ethnicity pay gap, disproportionately harsh disciplinary outcomes, and a growing sense that meaningful consultation with staff has eroded. Together, these issues have brought on frustration, disillusionment, and a breakdown in trust.

To add, a recent introduction of a new “Perimeter Officer” role at a higher pay band has further inflamed tensions, with members questioning whether proper job evaluation processes were followed and whether the role risks creating division within the workforce.

The union is calling for: 

  • Compensation for the reduction in annual leave entitlement following the move from 8-hour to 12-hour shifts.
  • A full review of how annual leave is calculated and requested for staff working 12-hour shifts, to ensure fairness and transparency.
  • A formal acknowledgement of, and commitment to address, the toxic workplace culture within PSD, including meaningful engagement with PCS.
  • A commitment from PSD management to resolve pay discrepancies that have led to stagnation in pensionable pay for certain grades and roles. 
The ballot comes against the backdrop of significant parliamentary spending, including reports that the restoration and renewal of Parliament could cost close to £40 billion, and that £9.6m was spent on a parliamentary door.
 
In that context, PCS believes it is simply indefensible that the very security staff entrusted with protecting MPs, peers, and the public are told there is no money available to properly reward, value, and support them.
 
PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: 
 
“Our members at the Palace of Westminster play a vital role in protecting MPs, peers, staff and the public every day. Yet they have seen their annual leave reduced, their pensionable pay frozen since 2019 and their working conditions deteriorate.
 
“It is unacceptable that staff are facing unreasonable rotas, delayed breaks and a workplace culture that undermines union representation.
 
“We will continue to press for a negotiated settlement, but our members are clear, they will not accept being treated unfairly while being asked to deliver such a critical public service.”
 
END
Notes to Editors
 
For more information: [email protected] / 07925433496
 
Member voices: member testimonies available upon request. 
 
Previous strikes: Members previously took strike action on four dates in 2025 alongside an overtime ban and work-to-rule, after an overwhelming vote for action. The original mandate expired at the end of January. PCS says meaningful progress has still not been secured.