National civil service strike
WORKERS, MAR 2007 ISSUE
On 31 January about 200,000 civil servants struck in support of their jobs, conditions and public services. Support for the action, which was called by the Public and Commercial Services Union, was widespread. Further action is planned, including strong support for the TUC's "Work Your Proper Hours" day on 23 February, where members are being urged to take full rest and lunch breaks as well as leave work on time. So far the government is unmoved.
Workers were on strike across central government and other public bodies. Galleries and museums were shut; court cases and driving tests disrupted. Tax offices remained open, but without a full service. The Welsh Assembly cancelled its debates. A two-week overtime ban followed the day of action.
The dispute is about government plans to "modernise" the civil service. Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden questioned the need for a strike. He said "...no organisation, including the civil service, can be immune from the need for change, both to ensure value for money for the public and to adapt to new technology."
Civil servants doubt the government's commitment to maintaining services, and question the direction of the changes being made.
The Public and Commercial Services Union recognises that the challenge is to maintain support among its members and build momentum. It wants to link the national campaign on services with what's going on in the 200-plus negotiating units. Unless it can do so, there will be no pressure on the government to meet their concerns.