Ballot for DWP call centres

Over 6,000 PCS members in 32 call centres are voting in a consultative ballot on industrial action over working conditions. It closes on 11July.

The PCS union Department for Work and Pensions group executive committee met last week to discuss the campaign.

A number of improvements have been achieved following strikes last year, including an end to restrictions on toilet breaks. But letting workers piss when they want isn’t enough to settle.

Workers are still denied access to genuine flexible working as available elsewhere in DWP and are pressured by unrealistic call time targets.

And in a staffing dispute in the Mersey Job Centre district, the four branches involved are resolved to strike again if an agreement cannot be reached.