PCS balloting membership over strike action

The PCS is balloting 280,000 members in 200 government departments and agencies about possible strike action.

The strike action could start on 31 January to coincide with the deadline for self-assessment tax returns. There is widespread anger at compulsory job losses, piss-poor pay offers and outsourcing.

In his pre-Budget Report to Parliament on 6 December the Chancellor of the Exchequer set out the Government’s plans for continuing cuts in every department, agency and public body for 2008 – 2011. This new round of cuts will total 8% per year or 24% over the period

Mark Serwotka said: "There will be a range of very imaginative forms of industrial action. We are already planning a second wave of action, which will not be a traditional one-day strike.

"There is an onslaught against civil servants who face job losses, worse conditions and a pay cut, so we are expecting a big 'yes' vote for industrial action."

Sir Gus O'Donnell, Cabinet Secretary has warned the PCS that the public could lose sympathy for civil servants if action was taken.

Yeah well, they always come out with that guff about why you shouldn't strike but they are only too happy to pay you pathetic wages, engage in cuts and compulsory job losses.

2007 kicks off with a ballot and good luck to PCS in building a YES vote!