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Marion Lloyd

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From: The Socialist issue 1059, 9 October 2019: Cutting, lying Tories - kick them out! General election now!

Search site for keywords: PCS - Strike - Union - Pay - Marion Lloyd - Outsourcing - Low-paid

BEIS: Outsourced caterers' indefinite strike victory

BEIS cleaners and caterers on strike, 29.7.19, photo Paula Mitchell (Click to enlarge)

Socialist Party members in PCS

More than nine months of action, including three months on indefinite strike, have paid off for PCS civil servants' union members employed by caterers Aramark.

The PCS members who work in the government's BEIS department have voted for a deal to end their dispute, which includes the London Living Wage, double the number of sick days on full pay and at least three days more annual leave.

This is a massive victory for the strikers. The sacrifice and determination they have shown has won the admiration and respect of members throughout the union.

PCS national executive committee member Marion Lloyd, who is standing to become a candidate in the general secretary election, applauded these brave workers. "As BEIS group president I want to pay tribute to members, a low-paid, diverse group of fighters, as well as the branch. Now to secure a settlement for the members in ISS as well. This dispute shows that the potential for our union is massive - now we must end the scandal of outsourcing and bring all of the workers and the services they provide back in-house."

Striker Joshua said: "We have voted for the deal offered to us. We won £10.55 an hour and the terms and conditions we demanded. It shows that action works."

Striker Novlette told the Socialist: "Our hard work pays off. Thanks for your support."

The gains won through this dispute are a first in Whitehall. Other workers in outsourced employment will be inspired to seek similar improvements to their conditions and will gain the confidence to take the necessary action.

While this is a fantastic and well-deserved achievement for our members in BEIS and Aramark, the ISS dispute, which covers other outsourced staff, continues.

Similarly, PCS members employed by Interserve at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have just concluded a five-day strike over pay, conditions and union recognition.

The BEIS dispute was won by members being prepared to stand and fight and with the magnificent support from other union members.

Support Marion Lloyd for general secretary with your vote at your branch nomination meeting. If you have any questions or would like to invite Marion to speak, contact [email protected]

Facebook 'Marion Lloyd for PCS General Secretary'
Twitter @marion4gs

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Finance appeal

The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.

The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.

The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.

The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.