Thanks to all those members who supported the democratic decision of the union on 8 and 9 March.
I realise it was a sacrifice to all of us. Remember that for anyone in financial hardship there is a hardship fund.
The reports in the press and from PCS members showed up Tessa Jowell as either very badly briefed or a total fantasist.
Please see the PCS web site for reports and the latest news.
We need to continue to press management back to the negotiating table by ensuring that the overtime ban is held and that everyone continues their support on budget day, 24 March 2010.
The union nationally is pursuing legal action and lobbying MPs. if you could also lobby your MP we can apply maximum pressure.
The branch policy of local reps choosing to not give support to those who do not support the union will continue.
Saturday, 13 March 2010
Monday, 8 March 2010
At The Rally
A well attended rally at the Notts Oddfellows Club.
We have been interviewed by Radio Leicester & various other radio stations throughout the county, Leicester Mercury, and TV (both BBC & Channel 4)
The strike has been well supported throughout the civil service with 75-80% of people out in DWP, HMRC, MOJ & Land Registry.
Speeches were given by a National Vice President, DWP GEC member and reports from all the picket lines.
A message of support was also given by the local TUC from the other unions in the Leicester area.
The feeling of solidarity and support are a real encouragement to carry on the struggle to maintain and improve conditions for all members.
Together we can win.
I'm off, now, to celebrate the success of the day.
We have been interviewed by Radio Leicester & various other radio stations throughout the county, Leicester Mercury, and TV (both BBC & Channel 4)
The strike has been well supported throughout the civil service with 75-80% of people out in DWP, HMRC, MOJ & Land Registry.
Speeches were given by a National Vice President, DWP GEC member and reports from all the picket lines.
A message of support was also given by the local TUC from the other unions in the Leicester area.
The feeling of solidarity and support are a real encouragement to carry on the struggle to maintain and improve conditions for all members.
Together we can win.
I'm off, now, to celebrate the success of the day.
On The Picket Line
I'm standing outside Wellington Street.
It is cold but my heart is warmed by the fellow pickets & the fact that very few people have gone in.
We have had visits from canteen staff 3 times to bring hot coffee so we will carry on.
Next update from the rally.
It is cold but my heart is warmed by the fellow pickets & the fact that very few people have gone in.
We have had visits from canteen staff 3 times to bring hot coffee so we will carry on.
Next update from the rally.
Saturday, 6 March 2010
Pay
The Labour Party say that public sector workers, most of whom are poorly paid, should accept pay rises of less than 1% for the sake of the economy and to set an example to the private sector.
The Tories think there should be no rise at all.
The good news is that one group of public sector workers have managed to achieve a rise of 1.5%, smashing the limits of the government and opposition.
The bad news is that it is those same MPs who support the limits for the rest of us that will be breaking their own rules.
I suppose they need the rise to nearly £66K now that they can't subsidise their salaries by fiddling their expenses.
The Tories think there should be no rise at all.
The good news is that one group of public sector workers have managed to achieve a rise of 1.5%, smashing the limits of the government and opposition.
The bad news is that it is those same MPs who support the limits for the rest of us that will be breaking their own rules.
I suppose they need the rise to nearly £66K now that they can't subsidise their salaries by fiddling their expenses.
The Playground Bully
I have heard the argument that because a number of public sector workers and workers in private industry have worse conditions than civil servants then we should just accept the changes to our conditions.
This is the same argument as saying that because the playground bully has stolen the lunch money from some of your friends you should go up to the bully and give him yours as well.
I believe that we need to stand up to bullies, in the playground, in the workplace or in government.
They are not going to take our money without a struggle.
Join the action on the 8th and 9th and don't work overtime.
This is the same argument as saying that because the playground bully has stolen the lunch money from some of your friends you should go up to the bully and give him yours as well.
I believe that we need to stand up to bullies, in the playground, in the workplace or in government.
They are not going to take our money without a struggle.
Join the action on the 8th and 9th and don't work overtime.
Friday, 5 March 2010
All Out on 8th & 9th
PCS members have voted for action & it is crucial that we all support it.
It looks as if management want to see how well supported the action is before they decide if they want further talks.
It is therefore important that we show them by supporting the strike & enforce the overtime ban afterwards.
Remember it is not just DWP but all of the civil service, & remember it is not just the compensation scheme but, if we lose, it will be much more likely that jobs will go and they will come after our pensions.
There is a hardship fund if anyone really cannot afford to lose pay (but it is really sobering how little we actually lose).
Come to the picket on Monday & Tuesday and then to the rally at the Notts Oddfellows Club on Humberstone Gate in Leicester from 11:30 on Monday. There will be PCS National speakers & support from the local trades council.
Together we can win.
It looks as if management want to see how well supported the action is before they decide if they want further talks.
It is therefore important that we show them by supporting the strike & enforce the overtime ban afterwards.
Remember it is not just DWP but all of the civil service, & remember it is not just the compensation scheme but, if we lose, it will be much more likely that jobs will go and they will come after our pensions.
There is a hardship fund if anyone really cannot afford to lose pay (but it is really sobering how little we actually lose).
Come to the picket on Monday & Tuesday and then to the rally at the Notts Oddfellows Club on Humberstone Gate in Leicester from 11:30 on Monday. There will be PCS National speakers & support from the local trades council.
Together we can win.
Monday, 1 March 2010
Civil Service Compensation Scheme
The votes are in and the fightback starts here.
The union will be out on strike on 8 and 9 March, not just Jobcentre Plus but the Pensions Centre too, not just DWP but HMRC, MOD, MOJ, Land Registry & all the other government departments throughout the UK.
We are hoping to hold a rally on 8 March at the Notts Oddfellows Club on Humberstone Gate in Leicester. I'll let you know the details when I have them, but it will be after picket duty.
Please read the PCS web site for the counter arguments to the management propaganda. They can put out their stuff on the intranet but if PCS tried to put our side or used e-mail to put our case then reps would be disciplined.
If you have any questions please add a comment to this post and I will try and reply.
See you all at the rally.
The union will be out on strike on 8 and 9 March, not just Jobcentre Plus but the Pensions Centre too, not just DWP but HMRC, MOD, MOJ, Land Registry & all the other government departments throughout the UK.
We are hoping to hold a rally on 8 March at the Notts Oddfellows Club on Humberstone Gate in Leicester. I'll let you know the details when I have them, but it will be after picket duty.
Please read the PCS web site for the counter arguments to the management propaganda. They can put out their stuff on the intranet but if PCS tried to put our side or used e-mail to put our case then reps would be disciplined.
If you have any questions please add a comment to this post and I will try and reply.
See you all at the rally.
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