PCS FCDO members set for Strike Action

The members will strike on five days this month over a planned restructure and management's failure to give assurances on compulsory redundancies.

PCS members in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) will begin a programme of strike action later this month after the department refused to give assurances on compulsory redundancies and failed to meet key union demands.

The dispute centres on the FCDO's restructuring programme. PCS has sought a guarantee of no compulsory redundancies, meaningful consultation with unions, updated equality impact assessments and compliance with established civil service redundancy agreements.

The management has rejected proposals that could help avoid compulsory redundancies and refused to provide key information about staffing levels, vacancies and the number of employees still at risk in the restructure. PCS argues that workers cannot have confidence in the process without transparency and proper consultation.

Following talks with the permanent under-secretary and senior HR officials on 7 July, the union concluded that management was unwilling to provide the necessary commitments and served notice of industrial action.

Strike dates

Members will take strike action on:

  • 16 July – full day
  • 22 July – full day
  • 23 July – from 1pm
  • 29 July – full day
  • 30 July – full day

Action short of strike (ASOS) will run from 17-30 July.

Picket lines

PCS is calling on members and supporters to join picket lines at King Charles Street, Hanslope Park and Abercrombie House from 8am to 10am on every strike day (from 1pm on 23 July).

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: "Our members are standing up not only for their own jobs, but for the future of a public service that is already stretched by years of underinvestment and workforce reductions. FCDO staff deserve transparency, respect and a guarantee that they will not be forced out of their jobs through compulsory redundancy. This action sends a clear message that workers will not accept being kept in the dark while jobs and public services are threatened. Management still has time to return to meaningful negotiations and avoid further disruption."

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