“Members are frustrated with the continued intransigence of The Pensions Regulator and their insistence in imposing an unagreed pay offer during this phase of strike action.”
By the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union
Frustrated by the continued intransigence of The Pensions Regulator, who recently attempted to impose an unagreed pay offer, PCS members are determined to keep fighting for a fair deal.
Over 300 PCS members working for The Pensions Regulator (TPR) in Brighton took strike action on 11, 12 and 17 and 18 October, as well as from 23 to 27 October.
The final week of this latest phase of strike action starts today (30) and continues until 3 November. This round of action builds on the strike taken by members between 5 and 18 September in pursuit of our national campaign demands.
TPR is only offering a pay rise of 3% while other civil service employers are paying a minimum of 4.5%, with an additional 0.5% of the overall pay pot to be targeted at the worst-paid staff.
Members are frustrated with the continued intransigence of TPR and their insistence in imposing an unagreed pay offer during this phase of strike action.
PCS wrote to TPR last week to say that we felt that the collective bargaining process had not been exhausted, to remind them that there are steps available to them to improve the appalling pay offer, and to inform them that we are seeking legal advice on our next steps in respect of our claim for fair pay in line with other civil service employers.
We received a very blunt response from TPR, who said they are not prepared to have further discussions about 2023-24 pay.
An angry PCS member told us: “I no longer know the organisation I work for. How can I sit in front of trustees and employers that have an impasse and tell them from their regulator they must work together to find some mutual agreement when their regulator doesn’t do that with its staff and union!”
The picket lines in Brighton have remained solid throughout this latest period of strike action, which has seen new members continue to join PCS every day.
Dozens of members have attended the picket lines every day so far and the general public in Brighton have also shown great support for the strike.
The picket line on 31 October will be Halloween-themed. Members will be wearing their best ghoulish and ghostly garb.
In addition, the pickets this week will be visited by speakers from the NEC. On Thursday 2nd November there will be a picket line discussion of the ballot result that is expected on Wednesday 1st November.
- You can show your support by visiting the picket lines on strike days outside Telecom House, 125-135 Preston Road, Brighton BN1 6AF.
- You can send your messages of support to editor@pcs.org.uk. You can also support PCS striking members by making an online donation to the strike fund.
- This article was originally published the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) on October 30th, 2023.
