WIREDGOV

PCS members have massively endorsed a national agreement over job security and privatisation, the union announced yesterday.

97.5% taking part in the ballot voted to endorse a major national agreement with the government over job security and privatisation in the civil service and related bodies, which strengthens the protection of staff from compulsory redundancy.

The agreement follows a vigorous campaign by the union and its members standing together.

Members supported the agreement with the Cabinet Office which sets out in detail measures to ensure staff who are declared surplus, but who wish to continue to work in the civil service or associated areas, will be made an alternative job offer.

Whilst the union remains implacably opposed to privatisation and outsourcing, the agreement also covers national guidance on good practice for dealing with staff where their functions are outsourced or privatised.

Commenting, Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary, said: “This agreement demonstrates what can be achieved by PCS members standing and campaigning together and builds on our previous success in protecting public sector pensions.

"The priority now is to step up our campaigning against the government’s policy of below inflation pay which is driving down the wages of some of the lowest paid in the public sector.

 

"The priority now is to step up our campaigning against the government’s policy of below inflation pay which is driving down the wages of some of the lowest paid in the public sector.

"Following this agreement the government needs to review its policy towards public sector and enter into meaningful dialogue with trade unions.”