Thank you again to all PCS members who supported the very successful strike on 25 October and then showed that you were ready for another potential day of action on 31 October.
Ever since the government announced Steria as the preferred bidder PCS has constantly pressed for assurances to protect your jobs and terms and conditions. Detailed talks with the cabinet office with Steria were difficult. But well attended union meetings and your action definitely brought about a change of attitude by them and made it possible for us to achieve additional protections for you. It is a fact that most of the assurances now in place have only been achieved through detailed negotiations supported by your action and were not on offer when we first met the cabinet office and Steria.
PCS are now being consulted on the final the wording of formal letters that will commit Steria/SSCL and the Government in detail to the protections we have secured. Despite the privatisation on 1 November the campaign to defend our jobs, improve our terms and conditions and against off shoring continues, including media and political campaigning.
Talks begin with Steria/SSCL
PCS met with Steria/SSCL Chief Operating Officer, Jeannette Smith and one of her transformation leads on 6 November. PCS made clear our principled opposition to privatisation and off shoring. The meeting was constructive and progressive. At this meeting PCS and Steria/SSCL agreed –
- our shared objective is to work together to avoid compulsory redundancies.
- we will have detailed talks about offshoring and seek to reach agreement on job protection
- staff who are successful at interview for Civil Service posts will be released subject to notice periods etc.
- we will aim to agree a formal PCS union recognition agreement before Christmas.
- PCS national officials and reps from DWP and DEFRA will continue to represent you until new SSCL reps are ready to step up.
- SSCL will continue to collect Union subs from source (check off).
- PCS can arrange members meetings with reasonable paid time off to attend.
- PCS will meet the Steria/SSCL Chief Executive at the earliest opportunity.
- That we would have at least another two negotiating meetings before Christmas.
You will be kept informed by regular PCS bulletins. Look out for details of union meetings on your site.
If you are not already a PCS member now is the time to join the union and help secure jobs and conditions in SSCL.
Join PCS – Fill in the form here
Marion Lloyd - NEC
Beth Lamont - National Officer
