EDS forced into 'U' turn on pay

PCS MEMBERS working for US multinational Electronic Data Systems (EDS) voted to postpone further industrial action against the company to allow a ballot on a new and vastly improved pay offer.

The solid action by PCS members working in Glasgow forced the company into a u-turn. The new offer presents an opportunity to return to a pay system that takes into account a cost of living/inflation-linked pay increase and a pay progression that ensures all staff are paid the appropriate target rate for the job within five years.

The local PCS EDS branch in Glasgow is led by members of the International Socialists (CWI Scotland). The industrial strategy and tactics adopted by PCS members helped build a campaign including an indefinite work-to-rule and overtime ban.

The action forced management into making their improved offer on the eve of planned strike action. The new offer, if accepted, will mean the lowest-paid third of the workforce, on £14,200, will receive at least a 15% pay increase for 2006 with a guarantee to reach £19,500 by 2010.

Most staff will receive above-inflation increases of around 4-5% while staff at the top end of the pay scales will still receive an inflation-linked cost of living increase of more than 3%. PCS members will now be balloted on the new offer with the result expected late February.