Security staff at Houses of Parliament to strike

Over 300 PCS members working in the Parliamentary Security Department of the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament) have announced strike dates after giving the Clerk of the House of Commons two weeks to resolve their dispute.

The key issue 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 also been heavy-handed in the use of disciplinary sanctions, including dismissals.

The security officers will walk out from 7am on Wednesday 3 September until 7am Thursday 4 September and from 7am on Wednesday 10 September until 7am Thursday 11 September.

The members will also take action short of a strike, consisting of an overtime ban and a work-to-rule from Monday 1 September until Friday 12 September.

The members are responsible for security checks which include checking passes/credentials, patrolling the buildings and the grounds as well as guarding the various gates of the Commons and the Lords. The strike days coincide with sessions of Prime Ministers’ Questions as well as evening sessions.

The announcement of industrial action follows a ballot that closed on 29 July where 98% of members voted to take strike action.

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “PCS strongly urges the employer to end its hostile approach to industrial relations and properly engage with us to address our members’ concerns.

"It has been shocking to see management renege on a promise to resolve these longstanding issues, intimidate members through disciplinary sanctions and interfere in a lawful ballot by spreading anti-union messaging.

“The massive vote by members for hard-hitting industrial action shows the level of determination they have to achieve their demands.”