Members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) have voted overwhelmingly to take strike action in defence of the Civil Service Compensation Scheme. Over 63% of members voted in favour of strike action and action short of a strike, over proposals to drastically reduce payouts for staff made compulsorily or voluntarily redundant. Many PCS members could lose more than a third of what they are currently entitled to, which equates to tens of thousands of pounds. All trade unions, particularly those in the public sector, will understand the threats we currently face as all political parties make commitments to savage cuts in public sector spending. Our union believes the real reason behind the changes to the Civil Service Compensation Scheme is to make job cuts easier and cheaper.
Over 270,000 PCS members, including 25,000 in the North East and
Cumbria, will be called upon to take strike action on 8th and 9th March. Further action is planned if the government is unwilling to reach a settlement. The union is planning to hold a rally at the Monument in Newcastle at 1 o’clock on Monday 8th March. PCS would welcome the support of members of all trade unions at this rally, and on picket lines.
For further details of the strike action planned, the rally or local picket lines, please contact: Simon Elliott (Regional Secretary), Julie Young, or Gordon Rowntree at the PCS Regional Office on 0191 222 0330.