PCS member in DWP
From 17 June, G4S security guards in Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offices, such as Jobcentres, went on strike for seven days. Over 1,000 guards in the GMB union have already been on strike, with around 70 Jobcentres being either shut or significantly impacted to the point of not being able to deliver the usual services, many to the point of closure. Now, GMB guards are joined by over 200 guards in PCS union.
Despite G4S having received over £211 million in direct payments from DWP, the majority of staff are either on, or just pennies above, the minimum wage, having received no pay rise in the last three years. The mood to fight can be seen by the number of guards taking action, as well as the recent PCS ballot which achieved a 95% vote for strike action on a 55% turnout.
The Socialist Party has pushed for coordinated strike action throughout the strike wave of the last few years – we are happy to see GMB and PCS coordinating to maximise pressure on the employer. Both unions now need to also maximise pressure on the incoming Labour government.
Jordan Stratton reports from Charles Street Jobcentre in Leicester
About 30 pickets demonstrated outside. The Jobcentre had a sign outside saying ‘Closed due to unforeseen circumstances’! Strikers described to us how their low pay meant they struggle to survive. Steve Score, the TUSC candidate for Leicester West, is the only election candidate who had supported this picket line.
What impressed them the most was the demand for a £15-an-hour minimum wage, which is well above even what their pay claim aims to achieve.
