PCS Benton Park View members explain why they are voting to strike

The ballot of more than 200 PCS members in employer services runs until 9 December. Three elected PCS representatives, Gordon Askew, Rachel Farmer and Joel Hamilton have been sacked by HMRC.

The following quotes are from PCS members, but their names have been changed.

Jane told us: “What has happened to these reps is appalling. HMRC should be ashamed of themselves. Just people trying to do their best for others.”

Alan said: “Rachel helped me more than once, she does not deserve this.”

While Sarah believes HMRC’s treatment of staff is the reason “why so many are leaving.”

And Carl said he hoped “by striking HMRC stops this nonsense and does the right thing.”

PCS President Martin Cavanagh spoke at a members’ meeting last week and sought to reassure members that they would not be disciplined for taking strike action.

He said: “We know that some members have raised concerns that they will be disciplined or sacked if they take part in a legitimate ballot and strike action. We repudiate this in the strongest possible terms and reaffirm your right as trade union members to withdraw your labour in defence of your colleagues. This is yet another demonstration of the culture of fear and intimidation which the employer is seeking to create in HMRC Benton Park View and your union will not stand for it." 

Don't forget to vote

This is a postal ballot only, so you haven't voted until you've posted. Make sure to get your ballot paper in the post box before 9 December.