Palace of Westminster security staff vote overwhelmingly for strike action

PCS members employed as security staff at the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament) voted by 98% in favour of strike action, in a ballot that closed on 29 July.

In addition, 99.5% of members voted yes to taking action short of a strike.

The key issue in the dispute is the reduction of annual leave entitlements, but pay has also stagnated since 2019 and the ethnicity pay gap is widening yearly.

Management has consistently failed to address members’ grievances in a timely and satisfactory manner, and has been heavy-handed in the use of disciplinary sanctions, including dismissals.

Members were previously balloted in 2023 and 98% also voted in favour of industrial action at that time. The action was withdrawn due to the employer’s promise to resolve matters, as strike action would have affected King Charles’ first state opening of parliament. However, the employer reneged on that promise and has avoided dealing with the issues, hence the high strength of feeling in this ballot.

PCS reps at the branch have met and discussed dates for strike action, which will be announced shortly.

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