PCS members at Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman vote for strike action
The PHSO members are in dispute over an imposed pay deal, hybrid working and proposals to increase work responsibilities.
PCS members who work at the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) in Manchester and London have voted for strike action by 81% on a turnout of 67% in a ballot that closed yesterday (22).
The PHSO, which is responsible for investigating complaints about UK government departments, other public organisations and the NHS in England, has imposed a pay deal below the civil service pay remit, a mandatory return to offices and is proposing changes that would increase the responsibilities of caseworkers with no assurances on extra pay.
Strike dates have not yet been announced.
PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “Low and stagnating pay is a real issue for our members at the PHSO. It’s exacerbated by people having to pay to commute to the office when they can save money and time by working from home just as effectively, if not more effectively.
“Managers can resolve this dispute if they are prepared to talk to us and be flexible. If they continue to ignore us, then strike action is inevitable.”