Jobcentre security guards are set to strike over a pay row.
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union announced that 200 of its members will down tools from June 17 to June 23, in a coordinated action with GMB union colleagues. Members of both unions are employed by G4S to provide security to keep employees and claimants safe.
PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: "G4S turns over billions of pounds every year but refuses to pay a decent wage to our members, many of whom face violence in the workplace every day." Heathcote demanded that "G4S should get back round the table and address the chronic low pay experienced by workers who put their bodies on the line every day to keep civil servants and the public safe."
In response, a G4S spokesperson defended their position: "Our dedicated security colleagues do a great job, sometimes in difficult circumstances. We urge the GMB to present our offer to our employees, which is both above minimum wage and inflation. We are keen to bring this dispute to an amicable conclusion."
The spokesperson also stressed the importance of safety: "The safety of our employees and the people and buildings they protect is our priority. In the event of further industrial action we will continue to work with the DWP on what have been highly effective contingency plans."
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