MPs and public show support for “vibrant” ISS pickets

Support from MPs and the public poured in this week for ISS members who are undertaking 36 days of strike action.

Around 100 PCS members employed as cleaners, security guards and support staff in three major government departments for the outsourced company ISS are striking from November 1 to 17 and from November 27 to December 15.  

The second day of the 36-day strike by low-paid PCS members working in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Department for Business and Trade, and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology coincided with the "pomp and ceremony" of the state opening of parliament on 7 November. 

As well as receiving support from many passers-by and colleagues in the civil service, a number of Labour MPs visited the picket line on the day of the opening of parliament to express their solidarity with ISS strikers. 

John McDonnell MP said he is “proud to be back on the picket line" with our members and that "outsourcing of our public services has undermined the living standards of these workers exploited by profiteering companies like ISS.” 

Beth Winter noted that, while parliament was preparing to hear the King’s Speech, “outsourced PCS cleaners at Whitehall departments are striking against an insulting 2.2% pay offer”. 

Ian Byrne also addressed our ISS strikers in Whitehall on 7 November, calling it a “vibrant picket line”. 

Vibrant pickets

Another well-attended and boisterous picket line was held on 9 November, when members turned out in their dozens to keep the pressure on the employer. 

The next picket lines will be on 15 November at 3-8 Whitehall Place and 16 November at 1 Victoria Street. 

Further picket lines will be announced unless ISS are able to end this dispute with an increased pay offer, a commitment to better terms and conditions, and recognition of PCS as our members’ trade union.  

Show your support  
  • Visit the next picket lines on 15 November at 3-8 Whitehall Place (8:00 -10:00); and 16 November at 1 Victoria Street (8:00 -10:00).  
  • Donate to the ISS strike fund using account number 20331490 sort code: 60-83-01, account name PCS Fighting Fund Levy (please use ISS as the reference).  
  • Sign the petition to the chief executive of the Government Property Agency.  
  • Send messages of support to editor@pcs.org.uk  

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