DWP group executive committee strike submission

Following the employer's refusal to reopen pay talks and discuss a business case to address the chronic low pay in DWP, the GEC voted unanimously to seek authority to take industrial action.

The consultative ballot took place between 9 September and 10 October, where 52.3% of members cast their vote, 80.5% telling PCS they are willing to vote for strike action in a statutory ballot.

Financial crisis

A PCS survey shows that many members in DWP are in financial crisis with thousands still attending foodbanks despite just having received a pay increase.  As the winter approaches, members are concerned as to how they will keep on the heating and the lights in the dark nights. Workers should not be struggling to cover the most basic of needs.

There was a time when social security would cover the shortfall, we now see members claiming Universal Credit to supplement their pay, so they can pay the rent. With the free-market economy as it is however, even state support leaves members still having to use the money provided for food and living costs to top up the rent payment. Members are in dire straits. And ready to do something about it.

Group president Angela Grant said: "Members have spoken via the consultative ballot, and we have carried their voice to the employer. DWP are still refusing to listen, refusing to act, so we must now put them under industrial pressure. If this government wants industrial peace, then they must authorise DWP to pay its staff enough to stop their pay meeting the national living wage next year. We have the lowest paid members in the civil service, and our skilled workers also are paid well below the market value for the work they do. Pay in this government department is an absolute scandal."