Ballot FAQs - industrial action ballot on FCDO2030
Vote now! Ballot papers must reach scrutineers by 22 June (noon) - and over 50% of members must vote
PCS is re-balloting members on FCDO2030 in a bid to save jobs and ensure a better outcome to the restructure. We need over 50% of members to vote and post back your ballot paper - we were just 19 votes short of 50% in the first ballot.
Final day to post
Ballot papers need to be posted in time to reach our scrutineers by noon, Monday 22 June. Most members have been provided with a 2nd class prepaid envelope so we recommend you post now to make sure your vote is counted!
Replacement ballot papers
The deadline for requesting a replacement ballot paper is 10am, Thursday 4 June (don't leave it until the last minute). You should request it online by logging into your PCS Digital account and clicking on the request replacement ballot paper button (My Membership>My Record). Check your home address and personal email/phone are correct.
New joiners / members added
New members Non-members who join PCS before 10am, Tuesday 2 June will be added to the ballot and sent a ballot paper 1st class.
Existing members If we don't have a home address for you, or you're listed as posted Overseas, you've not been balloted. If you are now UK based and want to be added, log into your PCS Digital account before 10am, Tuesday 2 June to check your home address is correct and/or update your workplace.
How to vote
Can I vote online?
No. PCS is legally required to run this ballot via post, as it is a ballot on industrial action.
Is it a secret ballot?
Yes. Your ballot paper is returned to the independent scrutineers who produce an anonymised report for PCS.
Why must over 50% of members vote/post?
This is part of the current undemocratic legal restrictions on industrial action (due to be repealed later this year).
Overseas members
Why are overseas members not being balloted?
The ballot is only five weeks and, to take lawful industrial action, we need at least 50% of members to return your ballot papers by the deadline. A lot of members overseas have home addresses listed in the UK so we would expect it to take longer for you to receive your ballot paper, and then for it to reach the scrutineers after you've posted. This could make the difference between achieving 50% turnout or not. We are discussing how overseas members can support any action.
Vote yes to save jobs
What are the ballot demands?
Senior management continue to disregard staff concerns and make up policy as they go.The process is neither transparent, fair or evidence based. It threatens hundreds of jobs, and poses a risk to FCDO operations. We are asking members to vote yes to strike action / action short of strike in support of the following demands:
- The restructure paused and essential information provided so meaningful consultation with unions can take place.
- A guarantee of no compulsory redundancies.
Why is it essential for me to vote?
We need over 50% to vote/post to be able to take industrial action. A strong yes turnout in this ballot is the most powerful lever we have to force senior leadership to listen to our demands.
If I vote yes will I have to take industrial action?
Voting in this ballot is separate from taking action. If we achieve the 50% turnout threshold, we will consider if action needs to be called. This will be a decision taken by your elected PCS representatives in consultation with PCS full-time officers.
If we call for action, we hope you will respond - industrial action is based on strength in numbers and is only ever called when a majority of those voting democratically agree with it. However, it will be your choice.