Union to ballot civil servants over strike action

The Public and Commercial Services union warned of a series of walkouts across England, Wales and Scotland, adding that it would seek support from other unions about co-ordinated action.

Voting will start on February 8 and close on March 4, raising the threat of pre-Easter stoppages.

The union has already taken three days of strikes over pay and the long-running dispute over controversial reforms to public sector pensions.

Officials said the Government was planning to attack hours, holidays, sick pay and flexible arrangements under a review of working conditions announced last year.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said the lives of civil and public servants were being made more difficult by cuts.

The union said it had asked for talks with the Cabinet Office and employers but claimed the offer had been turned down.

PCS officials are confident of a ‘yes’ vote and warned of a series of strikes, including full and half days, as well as shorter walkouts.

It will write to other unions seeking talks about the possibility of co-ordinated or supportive action.

The review of civil service conditions could lead to longer hours and fewer family-friendly policies, while a four-year freeze and cap on pay, coupled with increased pension contributions, would cut pay by 16 per cent by 2014, said the union.

The PCS has called for a pay rise of five per cent, or £1,200, for all civil servants this year.

Mr Serwotka said: “Civil and public servants are working harder than ever to provide the services that we all rely on, yet their lives are being made more difficult by cuts to their jobs, pay, pensions and now even their basic working conditions.

“Instead of rewarding them for their effort and commitment, this Tory-led government is pressing ahead with cuts that are wrecking our economy, while shamefully trying to deflect the blame for failure onto civil servants.”