Elaine Brunskill, Newcastle Socialist Party
It was good to see University and College Union, Unison and trades council members with their banners supporting the strike action of PCS members at HMRC Benton Park View, Newcastle. The action by the civil service union is in defence of three reps who were sacked for their trade union activity.
Joel Hamilton, one of the sacked reps, explained that the dismissals of the other reps, Rachel Farmer and Gordon Askew, were directly related to the strike action taken by PCS members as part of the national pay campaign across the civil service. Their dismissal added to the already poor relationship between PCS and HMRC at Benton Park View.
Joel went on to describe how his case, though separate, occurred during this period of deteriorating relations. Joel had raised concerns about the treatment of staff, including worsening terms and conditions, which was happening with a lack of consultation.
By the start of 2024 all three PCS reps were dismissed. Joel added that since then the PCS has “supported us in every possible way.” However, he added, “We are still waiting almost three months into another period of industrial action for HMRC to negotiate with us”.
Joel ended by explaining: “From a mental health point of view, I went from having a stable and structured routine to having nothing. So as a neurodiverse person I’m struggling to manage my mental health, which is very dangerous.”
At the rally in front of the entrance to Benton Park View there were both messages of support and a recognition that trade unions were going to have to fight Starmer’s Labour. Even Mary Glindon, a local Labour MP, mentioned how disappointing Labour is under Keir Starmer.
Ending his address at the rally, PCS vice president Dave Semple issued a clear message to HMRC: “We will win this fight!” And this message chimed with the mood of those taking industrial strike action.
