BNR – Civil workers in the UK are going to resume protesting despite a better pay offering from the government.
Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union members will take industrial action on Tuesday in Northern Ireland and Wednesday in Wales. The PCS said the halts will continue while it analyses the considerable sacrifices to wages, redundancy terms and job security.
According to the government, the offer is the highest in two decades for civil workers. Union members have been protesting for months, and three nationwide walkouts have occurred.
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said, “Ministers need to resolve the dispute by putting money on the table.”
Targeted Strikes Continues
On Friday, the government made an additional proposal to try to break the stalemate. Union heads said civil workers below senior received offers of around £1,500 for 2022/23.
The union applauded the deal in a statement on Monday evening.
PCS said it was the first time in our union’s history that members had won substantial additional compensation. However, it stated that scheduled targeted action would still take place this month.
Members of the Northern Ireland Office will walk out for a three-day period beginning Tuesday. Audit Wales and the National Museum of Wales will be impacted from Wednesday.
It also stated that Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency members will go on strike for 15 days beginning 11 June. In addition, driving examiners in 286 test centres across England and Wales will begin working on 15 June.
The union said any re-ballots for future action are dependent on the outcome of talks with the government.
‘Significant Achievement’ for Civil Workers
Officials had called for a 10% wage increase to match increased living costs. However, the government stated at the time that their proposals would cost a financially untenable £2.4 billion.
The latest offer, according to the union, is a “significant achievement.” The government stated that the Civil Service pay guidance allowed departments to award a 4.5% pay increase to employees. Furthermore, lower-paid employees could receive an additional 0.5% raise.
