Members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) will go ahead with industrial action after discussions with the Cabinet Office failed to reach an agreement.
The PCS’ national executive committee (NEC) requested a 10 per cent pay rise for its members as well as pensions justice, job security and no cuts to redundancy terms.
The NEC met on Friday to agree on an initial programme of targetted action in the Home Office, Department for Transport, Defra and the Border Force. This will affect ports, borders and all areas of transport.
The NEC will meet again to agree on further action if no proposals are made by the Cabinet Office.
Mark Serwotka, general secretary of PCS, said: “PCS members are angry. They helped to keep this country running during the pandemic, and in return, have been treated appallingly by this government. With inflation now at 11.1 per cent, it is inconceivable that they are expected to cope with yet another real terms pay cut.
“With tens of thousands of members on poverty pay, it is no longer about tightening belts, but about choosing between heating and eating – and that is simply not acceptable for the government’s own workforce.
“We have made it clear to the Cabinet Office that we are available for talks throughout this period. I hope that they do the right thing and come back to the table prepared to meet our demands. If not, then we are prepared to do what we need to do to show them the value of our members’ work once they withdraw their labour.”
HM Land Registry prepared for action
Other members of PCS include HM Land Registry and the Registers of Scotland, meaning strike action could impact services in the property market.
A spokesperson for the department said: “HM Land Registry notes the decision of the PCS national executive committee [to call for industrial action]. HMLR will apply its prepared controls to minimise the impact of any action on its services.
“We will prioritise time-critical services required for property transactions to continue, including pre-completion searches (the majority of which are automated) and urgent applications that have been expedited.
“We will closely monitor any impacts and respond as necessary to deliver the essential services required to support the property market.”
