Two weeks to go to DWP strike ballot

From 5 January to 16 February, DWP members will be asked in a statutory ballot if they are willing to take strike action over pay, after receiving an insulting pay offer.

To mark the launch of the ballot, PCS will be running a live online rally on 5 January at 6pm. It will be broadcast on X, Facebook and YouTube.

Angela Grant (DWP group president) and Martin Cavanagh (PCS national president) will be joined by John McDonnell MP as well as Eddie Dempsey, the general secretary of the RMT union.

Ballot papers will be posted out from 5 January. Members must complete the ballot paper and return it by post, as required by law. 

Group president Angela Grant said “We need to send a strong message to the employer that we have had enough of their failures on pay. It is vital we smash the 50% anti-trade union threshold and force DWP to re-open pay talks for this year.”

To ensure you receive your ballot, make sure your personal details are up to date on PCS Digital.

Having updated his details on PCS Digital, Gary Edwards from DWP East Sussex & CMG Hastings was the winner of an IPad in our Christmas prize draw. The other winners have been contacted about their prizes, which include a fireside Christmas hamper and various cash prizes.

Read our frequently asked questions (FAQs) article for more information about the dispute and the ballot. 

Across the DWP, activists and branches are busy speaking to members about the importance of the ballot, running workplace recruitment stalls, organising members' meetings and leafleting outside workplaces.

Members can get more involved in three ways:

• Encourage your colleagues to join PCS, as every new member strengthens our collective voice.

• Become a PCS Advocate by asking your local rep how you can help deliver the pay rise you and your colleagues deserve.

• Keep an eye out for updates on the ballot on our website, PCS’s social media channels, and in your email inbox.