PCS: Strong support for budget day strike

Thursday, 25 March 2010 12:00 AM

There was widespread disruption today as civil and public servants from across the UK went on strike in the first budget day strike over cuts to redundancy terms.

The stoppage, called by the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), saw up to 200,000 stay away from work causing widespread disruption to jobcentres, courts, tax offices, land registries and call centres.

There was strong support in prisons with custody suites closed including Nottingham prison, whilst Met Police security guards picketed the Chancellor as he entered the Houses of Parliament to deliver today's budget.

Driving tests and passport appointments were cancelled with border controls at points of entry to UK also affected.

Elsewhere the culture sector was badly hit with picket lines outside high profile galleries such as Tate Modern and services restricted at the National Archives, British Library and V&A museum in London. In Wales there was support from Labour and Plaid Cymru Assembly Members who refused to cross picket lines at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay.

Operations by the Serious Organised Crime Agency were severely disrupted in the north west and south west of England whilst Ministry of Defence staff showed strong support for the strike. Support was also strong in the Land Registry.

Commenting, Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary, said: "Support for today's budget day strike was strong sending a clear message that civil and public servants will stand up for the services will all rely on. Making it easier and cheaper to cut civil and public servants will damage public services and force people out of the jobs they are proud to do. As the election looms, the government has an opportunity to avoid further damaging industrial action by negotiating an agreement that protects the entitlements of hard working staff."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

* For further information, interviews and comment please contact Alex Flynn PCS national press officer on 020 7801 2747 or 07833 978216.
* PCS, the Public and Commercial Services Union is the union representing civil and public servants in central government. It has more than 300,000 members in over 200 departments and agencies. It also represents workers in parts of government transferred to the private sector. PCS is the UK's sixth largest union and is affiliated to the TUC. The general secretary is Mark Serwotka and the president is Janice Godrich.

Alex Flynn
National Press Officer
Public and Commercial Services Union
160 Falcon Rd
London SW11 2LN

Direct line: 020 7801 2747
Mobile: 07833 978 216
Fax: 020 7924 1847

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