First day of Sodexo strike in Belfast

The striking members are employed by outsourcing company Sodexo as receptionists, cleaners, porters and kitchen staff, providing essential services in Erskine House, the UK Government hub building which is home to multiple departments including HMRC, Cabinet Office and Northern Ireland Office and Carne House in Belfast. 

Sodexo is a multinational outsourcing company which reported profits in the region of £679 million. Yet, to “align with the financial position of the contract” Sodexo has decided to cut 140-160 hours, meaning up to four staff, who are on or just above the national minimum wage, are facing compulsory redundancy. 

PCS supported members through the individual consultation process, offered alternatives to redundancies and have met with Sodexo management, to try and resolve this issue in good faith.

Sodexo asked us to pause the strike action, however our negotiators refused as Sodexo has not made a formal offer to resolve the dispute or offered proposals which meet our bargaining demands. PCS negotiators wish to resolve the dispute, and we stand ready to meet Sodexo to do so.

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said, “We send our solidarity to our members in Sodexo who are on strike at Erskine House, Belfast over threats to their jobs. PCS believes that outsourcing is a failed experiment, bring the jobs back in house and give our members a secure future.”

There will be a picket line at Erskine House, every day from 8am to noon, until 17 June.  Please support our members on the picket line and reps from the Revenue and Customs branch.

You can post messages of solidarity on Facebook, or email them to [email protected]