Benefits staff set to strike

January 21, 2002 in Pay and conditions

Up to 60,000 staff in job centres and benefits office across
England, Scotland and Wales are expected to go on strike next
Monday and Tuesday over a safety issue.

Staff and members of the Public and Commercial Services Union
had previously walked out for 48 hours in December about the
government’s decision to remove protection screens from
benefits offices.

The latest strike has been called after talks between union
members employers broke down.

Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary, said: “PCS members regret
having to take this action, but while management have stalled
negotiations the attacks in staff in Jobcentres and benefits
offices continue week after week.”