A majority of members voting in the national ballot have voted in favour of a programme of industrial action:
Question 1: strike action
- Number of ballot papers returned 91,749
- Number voting ‘yes’ 48,946 (54%)
- Number voting ‘no’ 41,832 (46%)
- Spoilt ballot papers 971
Question 2: action short of a strike:
- Number of ballot papers returned 91,749
- Number voting 'yes' 72,662 (80%)
- Number voting 'no' 17,666 (20%)
- Spoilt ballot papers 1,421
The turnout was 35%.
We have had a democratic ballot. All relevant members had the opportunity to vote. A clear majority of members who cast their vote, voted in favour of the action.
The ballot result sends a clear message to the employer that members support their union’s policy and that we want:
- Each member to receive a consolidated basic pay increase at least equal to the retail price index;
- A level playing field between public sector workers by removing pay progression costs from budgets for increases;
- Reduction in the number of separate pay negotiations;
- An end to pressure for regional pay;
- Additional funding to remedy equal pay problems;
- An end to links between pay and performance appraisal.
With the ballot result, we will continue to press the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury to come to an agreement over our demands. As ever, PCS will do all it can to proceed by discussion and negotiation.
Next steps
The national executive committee will meet next week on 23 October to receive reports on responses from government to our demands and, in the continuing absence of a positive response, to decide on the timing of national strike action and to endorse plans for targeted sectoral action and national action short of a strike.
On behalf of the NEC we wish to thanks all reps for their hard work in achieving this ballot result. We must now go forward united and determined to secure a fair settlement for members.
Mark Serwotka, General SecretaryJanice Godrich, President
