PCS plans strike over civil service redundancy changes

Posted 03/02/2010

The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) is discussing nationwide industrial action over potential changes to redundancy procedures for civil servants.

Proposals from the government have outlined plans to reduce the amount of compensation paid to civil service workers by a third in a bid to reduce expenditure.

However, the union has criticised the suggested move as a “betrayal” of public sector staff and expressed fears it will lead to mass redundancies.

As a result, the body is now balloting its 270,000 members over possible strike action, which it hopes will pressure the government into reconsidering its stance on the altered compensation scheme.

Mark Serwotka, general secretary of the PCS, said: “The government and the cabinet office can still avoid a damaging dispute and legal action by negotiating an agreement that defends existing members’ entitlements.”

Last week, the Trades Union Congress expressed concern that the fragile nature of the UK’s economy will mean that UK workers will continue to face a heightened risk of redundancy over the coming year.