Hundreds of security staff at the Houses of Parliament have launched a 24-hour strike in a dispute over pay and conditions, with further industrial action planned next month.
Members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union at the Palace of Westminster walked out on Tuesday and will strike again on September 10. They are also undertaking an overtime ban and a work-to-rule until September 12.
The union said the employer's removal of six days' annual leave from members' contracts, pay stagnation and a widening ethnicity pay gap had left staff “particularly angry”.
PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “To fight for fair pay and conditions, our dedicated members at the Palace of Westminster will take industrial action this week just as parliament returns from recess. Day and night, they work incredibly hard to ensure the safety of MPs, Lords, staff and visitors in the UK's national parliament building. They deserve to be treated fairly and to have their many concerns addressed by the employer.”
A UK Parliament spokesperson called the strike a “disappointing outcome” following months of engagement, adding: “Parliamentary security staff are valued colleagues. We remain committed to working closely with staff and unions to address the issues raised and to reach a resolution.” The spokesperson said contingency plans with the Met Police would ensure the safety of the estate and no disruption to parliamentary business.
During the strike, those with a Parliamentary pass will not be allowed to bring guests onto the estate.
