Groundbreaking Win for PCS Facilities Management Members

PCS members employed by outsourced giants OCS, G4S and ISS in several buildings on the Government Property Agency contract have voted to accept full and final pay offers in a significant win to their long running disputes.

The offers came as a result of an extended period of heroic and determined industrial action by the members who were determined and resolute in their fight for decent pay, terms and conditions.

The ballots which closed yesterday (9) delivered decisive votes in favour of accepting the settlement which increases pay and significantly improves terms and conditions, including the implementation of company sick pay from day one of absence, an increase in annual leave entitlement, full maternity and paternity pay and paid bereavement leave.

PCS general secretary, Fran Heathcote, initiated a groundbreaking national process which is three-fold: dispute resolution, coherence, and insourcing. As part of that process a significant funding package has been achieved, the first of its kind for outsourced facilities management contracts in the civil service. National funding was secured to settle the disputes on the terms now accepted by members, which amount to a significant win. The development of this process will now unlock talks with government on our national objectives of coherence and insourcing to secure future improvements for facilities management members.

Fran Heathcote said “Solidarity to every single member who has taken part in action over recent months in the fight for fair pay, terms and conditions. We have been proud to stand in full solidarity with all striking members.

“Their determined action has now forced major concessions on pay, terms and conditions. They have shown that there is real power in a union by standing strong and united in the face of hostility.

“In full support of their action, I have initiated a national process to engage in talks with some of the most senior government officials to deliver further improvements on our pay coherence and insourcing agenda.”

Talks will now start with all three companies on the implementation of the offers.