Labour ministers who think that PCS’s campaign against the government’s attempt to rip up our Civil Service Compensation Scheme (CSCS) is over because the general election has been called are wrong – the campaign goes on until there is a negotiated settlement.
John McInally, Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) national vice-president, personal capacity
The three days of strike action during March piled pressure on the government, as did other campaign initiatives, including taking the PCS battle bus to Tessa Jowell’s constituency surgery. 176 MPs have now signed the Early Day Motion supporting the union’s campaign.
PCS is targeting ministerial and marginal constituencies during the election and this will be linked with our Make Your Vote Count (MYVC) campaign. We will be demanding not just support for PCS’s five pledges to defend the public services but also for a fair settlement to the CSCS dispute.
Industrial action continues with the national overtime ban. A judicial review is to be held on 22 and 23 April. Although success there would not mean a settlement, it would force the government back to negotiations.
Whoever forms the new government will receive a letter from PCS reminding them there is an unresolved dispute that must be settled if they are to avoid further industrial action.
