Related Articles
Since last summer, the UK has been rocked by more strike action than it has seen in quite some time, with a wide variety of sectors being affected.
Industrial disputes have seen hundreds of thousands of workers walking out in rows over pay and working conditions, from rail workers to ambulance drivers, and nurses to Royal Mail employees.
As such, many people are becoming more familiar with industry unions and those who lead them, from Mick Lynch at the Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers to Dave Ward at the Communication Workers Union.
Another union that has been taking industrial action is the PCS union, whose strikes can prove to be very far-reaching.
So, who are the PCS union, and who do they represent?
Here is what you need to know.
Who are the PCS union?
PCS stands for the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union, representing UK government workers.
Their website states: ‘If you work in UK government, including the civil service, there is a place for you in PCS.’
‘Whether you are employed by a government department or a contractor, our reps and staff will strive to achieve the best outcomes for you.’
Who does the PCS union represent?
PCS members can be found in virtually all government departments, including some vitally important to national administration.
These include the Cabinet and Home Office, as well as the departments for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, Education, Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), Transport, Work & Pensions (DWP), Health and Social Care (DHSC), and International Trade (Formerly UKTI) and more.
Other government departments to contain PCS members include the Equality & Human Rights Commission, Health & Safety Executive, Electoral Commission, Historic England, Charity Commission, and many others.
What happens when the PCS union strikes?
Shortly after Christmas, PCS members striking in the Home Office led to Border Force staff at some of the UK’s busiest airports taking industrial action.
Strikes within the DVLA (Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency) and DVSA have also led to delays and disruption to driving tests.
When are the next PCS union strikes?
Over 100,000 in 124 different departments will be striking on February 1, 2023.
The PCS describe the industrial action as the ‘largest civil service strike for years’ and a ‘last resort.’
The union go on to state: ‘As the cost-of-living crisis worsens, with inflation at nearly 11%, members are saying they’ve had enough of being treated appallingly.’
‘Our campaign is for a 10% pay rise, pensions justice, job security and no cuts in redundancy terms.’
The union has also had members take industrial action in National Highways and the DWP.
PCS strikes have the potential to be far-reaching and disruptive. While the union has so far been carrying out what it describes as ‘sustained action in targeted areas’, it has plans to see a considerable amount of its members on strike soon.
Who is in charge of the PCS?
The General Secretary of the PCS is Mark Serwotka.
In his message to members, Mr Serwotka said: ‘PCS members organise together to defend and advance their interests.’
‘We negotiate with government ministers and employers on a whole range of issues, including on your pay, pension, work-life balance and home-working.’
‘We are also campaigning for greater equality and diversity.’
MORE : Rishi Sunak must come out of hiding, says Unite union boss
MORE : Union warns twice as many nurses could strike if pay talks remain stalled
MORE : Striking ambulance workers feel ‘betrayed and demonised’, union says
Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Share your views in the comments below
