DWP running scared of strike ballot

A strike ballot in the DWP has been postponed until 19 January, after the employer used the Tories’ anti-trade union legislation to block the ballot.

PCS DWP group served notice to ballot members on pay on 12 December and on 31 December, at the 11th hour, the DWP issued a challenge to the ballot notice.

PCS believes that this is a tactical move to delay the ballot, because DWP are running scared.

As the DWP group president Angela Grant put it: “Rather than admit it is paying poverty wages, holding its hands up, and asking the Treasury for money for a pay increase, the DWP has moved to put obstacles in our way."

Why the ballot is delayed

The Tories’ Trade Union Act 2016 introduced a requirement for unions to provide employers with the number of ballotable members within every office.  

In this instance, PCS gave notice of 766 offices that were to be balloted. The DWP challenge is based on its outdated HUB Strategy, which has seen hundreds of offices close, the majority of which have simply changed address. 

There is no legal requirement for PCS to provide every office address, since the law works on a ‘reasonable knowledge’ basis.

DWP bosses have unconvincingly told us that we provided information that senior managers cannot understand. Yet instead of allowing them to tie us up in litigation, we have decided to pull back for a short period. 

“We will use the information they have provided to update our systems, ensure we are even better prepared to smash this ballot, then take action that will thwart their planned transformation.” Angela added.

As things stand, ballot papers will be posted out from 19 January. Members must complete the ballot paper and return it by post, as required by law. 

To ensure you receive your ballot, make sure your personal details are up to date on PCS Digital.

Members can get more involved in three further ways:

  • Encourage your colleagues to join PCS, as every new member strengthens our collective voice.
  • Become a PCS Advocate by asking your local rep how you can help deliver the pay rise you and your colleagues deserve.
  • Keep an eye out for updates on the ballot on our website, PCS’s social media channels, and in your email inbox.