Job Cuts in the Fylde and the attacks on the Civil Service Compensation Scheme.
In the Department for Work and Pensions it has been established that over two thousand one hundred jobs have already been cut on the Fylde. Once the worst of the bankers created recession is over then there could be attempts at a purge on Civil Service jobs.
Following from the recent unilateral attempt to impose changes to civil servants’ redundancy terms, it is clear that the government are preparing to cut more jobs on the cheap. The published proposals have not been agreed with the PCS.
- Slashed - The amount of compensation paid if you are made compulsory redundant.
- Chopped - The amount of money that may be offered on any exit scheme (including compulsory redundancy on voluntary basis)
- Axed - All the enhancements to any early retirement schemes that may be offered in the future will be axed.
It is clear that the Government are preparing to cut more jobs on the cheap. Cutting the compensation makes it cheaper to get rid of people. (There is also concern about the standard of the jobs for those left after the job cuts. Due to attacks on Conditions of Service following the job cuts many of the posts are now of the call centre type).
Membership support for the Campaign
The reaction of members to the Government’s proposals was tested in a series of workplace meetings held in September and October 2009. Over 35,000 members came to 1000 meetings making it the largest such exercise the union has carried out. The overwhelming majority made it very clear that they supported the union’s objectives to protect members’ existing entitlements. More than 80% said that they would support campaigning action if negotiations do not produce the result we need.
The views of members were also made clear in the responses to the Government’s consultation. 18,000 comments were sent to the Cabinet Office, the overwhelming majority of which clearly opposed the proposed cuts to the scheme. This was a marvellous response which communicated effectively the depth of feeling on the issue to the employer.
Legal action
The National Executive Committee has agreed to instigate a judicial review to halt the process by which the Government seems intent of removing members’ accrued rights under the CSCS.
Lobbying of MPs
115 MPs have signed up to an early day motion on the CSCS. Over 100 signatures for an EDM on an industrial issue is a tremendous level of support. This reflects effective lobbying by many members in constituencies, and MPs’ increased receptiveness to that in the run-up to a General Election. The Branch has written to all four local MPs who represent the Fylde area asking for the support.
Further negotiations
Previously the Government has announced that it has come to its ‘final decision’ on the matter. Nevertheless, the Cabinet Office has now agreed to meet the unions to discuss the proposals. The unions have agreed to further discussions in order to make one last effort at finding a way forward without the need for legal or other campaigning action. At the time of writing, however, there was no indication that progress at the meeting towards addressing our substantive concerns is imminent.
Conclusion
In 2010 there will be a General Election and the Branch will be contacting the candidates to ask where they all stand on all the above issues and will provide assistance to members who may also wish to ask the candidates about such matters.
The Branch will ensure that we play our full role in the Campaigning Action that may be needed. Further details will be issued in due course.
