Ofgem dispute escalated as more strike dates announced

Hundreds of PCS members working at energy regulator Ofgem's London, Glasgow and Cardiff offices are striking from 29 September until 3 October in their long-running dispute about pay, jobs, working conditions and industrial relations.

The swell of feeling has only grown as the campaign has gone on. The resounding turnout in the ballot (85% voting for strike action on a 65% turnout) has turned into significant recruitment (almost 150 people have joined the branch since the first action was announced) and the exceptional picket lines at all of the offices on last month’s 3-day strike have attracted new members and new activists.

More to the point, the pressure has worked. Since the first strike notice went in we have reached a key agreement on pay. This means we have now protected the permanent pay system from the allowances Ofgem wanted to bring in.

However, progress has since ground to a halt. Ofgem is still refusing to reach a fair compromise on jobs and industrial relations, and it's also dragging its feet on the wider pay reforms we need.

The latest action marks a significant escalation in the campaign and shows that PCS is determined to back its members.

PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote said: "This strike action will mark a significant escalation by Ofgem members. Their determination has seen impressive picket lines organised across the UK and over a hundred new members join the branch.

“Ofgem needs to reach an agreement with us and let our members go back to work.

"Seeing the swell of feeling growing as the campaign goes on, it is clear they will continue taking hard-hitting action and building the branch to achieve their objectives.”

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