Public and Commercial Services Union
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Massive vote for strike at Capita in Liverpool

Low-paid staff who work for Capita at the Criminal Records Bureau in Liverpool have voted nine to one to strike over pay.

In a ballot 91% voted for a strike and other forms of industrial action on an 82% turnout.

The 103 union members, whose work includes the CRB's call centre and mail room, have rejected a below inflation pay offer that would only mean an average of £5 extra a week.

As well as now considering strike action, other industrial action could include a refusal to do overtime or any work outside the strict terms of contracts, and a general withdrawal of goodwill and co-operation.

The Home Office recently announced that Capita had lost the CRB contract to Tata Consultancy Services and work is expected to transfer to the new contractor in mid-2013.

The union will be seeking an assurance from Tata that jobs will remain in Liverpool, and will be ensuring that all agreed terms and conditions for staff are transferred across.

PCS industrial officer Caroline Turner said: "This vote by a massive margin ought to serve as a wake-up call to Capita that its workers will not accept being fobbed off.

"Capita staff work hard for what is a very profitable company and expect to be treated fairly with a decent pay rise that at least keeps pace with increases in the cost of living."

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