WIREDGOV

Ballot papers for strike action in the Department for Work and Pensions began being sent out last week (Friday 9th November), to over 80,000 PCS members in a dispute over the threatened imposition of a below inflation pay offer which would see approximately 40% of staff receive 0% pay increase next year.

Members working for the DWP in Jobcentres, benefit offices, the Pension service and Child Support Agency (CSA) have already bourne the brunt of the government decision to axe 80,000 jobs in the civil and public services and are angry over the possible imposition of a three year pay offer, which sees cost of living increases for longer serving staff members of 2% this year, 0% next year and 1% in the final year. The pay offer averages just 1% a year over the three years.

The strike ballot comes as the union enters into meaningful talks with the Cabinet Office in an effort to reach a negotiated agreement to a civil service wide dispute over jobs, pay and conditions which has seentwo strongly supported national civil service wide one day strikes this year.

The ballot closes on 26 November 2007 and the result is expected to be announced shortly after.

Commenting, Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary, said: "It is completely unacceptable that hardworking staff, who have battled to provide a service against a backdrop of cuts, should be rewarded for their efforts with a pay cut in real terms for the next three years. We had hoped to find a negotiated solution, but management's threat to impose the below inflation pay offer has incensed staff who are amongst the lowest paid in the civil service. Pay cuts in real terms will do nothing for the morale of staff who have delivered the lowest unemployment in a generation. Ministers and the government need to intervene and work towards a pay deal that recognises the important role staff play in delivering essential public services.