“Working under blankets and in outdoor coats”
Ahead of their four-day walk-out next week, MOPAC members explain why they are taking strike action.
PCS members working at the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) will be on strike from 12 – 15 January. They voted to take strike action after receiving a below-inflation 2% pay offer. MOPAC plays a vital role in London’s policing and safety.
Why we’re striking
Due to limited office space, many members are required to work from home, which can be particularly challenging during the colder winter months.
One member told us: “This winter I will see more of my colleagues working under blankets and in outdoor coats whilst working from home. Many cannot afford the increase in energy prices. It’s hard to focus on work when you’re cold.”
Another said: “Working and living in London as a single parent means I have to juggle rising childcare costs and food prices alongside increases in energy and water bills. Many people think the option to work from home and for the Mayor of London means I am not impacted, but the reality is that I have to avoid putting the heating on in the house this winter. Warming my home has to be sacrificed to ensure I can afford the increased cost of childcare and food prices. A better pay offer would mean I can afford to heat my home this winter.”
It is difficult for some members to see what they can cut back on in order to keep afloat. One said: “For me, the situation is so tight I’m having to consider cutting back on essentials.”
Picket lines
Members will hold a picket line outside their office at 169 Union Street, London SE1 0LL from 8-11am from Monday 12 to Wednesday 14 January.
The nearest stations are Southwark/Borough/London Bridge/Waterloo.
Rally
On Thursday 15 January, MOPAC members will be joined by striking PCS members from the Met Police at a rally from 9-11am outside City Hall, when the Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley is expected to attend Sadiq Khan’s first Mayor's Question Time.
MOPAC branch chair Havana Longmore-Wellings and vice chair Tim Read will be among the speakers at the rally. Further details will be published when confirmed.