strike

In the past I haven't blogged about industrial action I've been involved in. But I thought I'd let you know about forthcoming action from PCS (Public & Commercial Services Union).

Next week on Monday and Tuesday members will be striking and picketing civil-service wide in protest at changes planned to the civil service compensation scheme (CSCS). Strike action is being taken now because it will not be possible to take such action once a date for the general election is announced. It is also only one strand of a three strand approach. As explained in a recent mailing, the three strands are:

Political - Early Day Motion 251, and lobbying of MP's to urge the employer back to talks.

Legal - There is a judicial review awaiting a court date, challenging how the employer has tried to force the change on employees, arguing that it is illegal.

Industrial - This is the action being taken by members next week, Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 March, to demonstrate the opposition of members.

The reasons why this matters can be found here. But the basic headline, from the linked questions, is this:

"The main changes from 1 April 2010 are the terms of payment for compulsory redundancy are cutting current benefits. The new changes are based on a formula relying upon length of service and salary rather than age. There is no early payment of pension unless you pay for it. There is a cap of payment for those well under pension age of the greater of £50,000 (or if less 36 months pay) and 24 months pay. For those over pension age the payment will be the greater of £12,500 (or if less, 9 months pay) and 6 months pay. For those close to pension age there is a tapering mechanism of compensation

Under the current arrangements there are aged based payments and a generous early retirement arrangement for over 50’s. The maximum payment is 3 years salary but for those with pre-87 rights it can be up to 6 years"


I will be on strike and I will picket.

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