EXCL Parliament set for chaos as security guards back strike action in bitter workplace row
3 min read
Parliament is at risk of being thrown into chaos after security guards voted overwhelmingly for strike action in a furious row over working conditions, PoliticsHome can reveal.
Staff who police entrances to the Palace of Westminster will walk out for a day on 20 March if no resolution to the dispute is reached, the Public and Commercial Services Union said.
The security guards have won support from Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who told PoliticsHome the Commons “must lead by example when it comes to workers' rights”.
More than 240 members were balloted on whether to take industrial action after having their breaks cut and their workloads increased by their employers in Parliament.
Some 86% voted for strike action on a turnout of 62% - piling pressure on the House of Commons Commission to meet demands to avoid the potentially damaging walkout.
There is also a separate row over a former member of the team who colleagues feel was wrongly dismissed and who they want reinstated, as well as a number of long-standing personal issues.
A source told PoliticsHome: “For too long the House of Commons has dragged its feet when it could have been setting an example of an enlightened employer.
“Security staff describe the atmosphere in their department as ‘hateful’ and fuelled by ‘discrimination’ where ambitious leadership have enjoyed career success whilst those in lower grades are treated with contempt.
“Senior staff have shown little sign of taking responsibility for their mistakes whilst those beneath them are never allowed the freedom to fail.”
They said Commons had “chosen to give the green light to managers who view every issue as worthy of heavy handed disciplinary action, backed up by a complicit HR Department”.
'STRENGTH OF FEELING'
PoliticsHome understands talks are still ongoing and the union is eager to reach an agreement to avoid strike action.
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “The mandate for action from our members is strong and the House of Commons Commission need to recognise this strength of feeling amongst their security staff and settle this dispute.
“Hardworking staff are only asking for justice and fairness in the workplace. They are not prepared to put up with a culture of fear.”
It comes as Parliamentary bosses grapple to deal with allegations of bullying and harassment among staff members working in the Palace of Westminster.
Mr Corbyn told PoliticsHome last month: “All security guards working in the Palace of Westminster should have the same working conditions and the same rights.
“I pay tribute to the hardworking staff who are essential to the functioning of Parliament and help to keep thousands of people who work in and visit the Palace of Westminster safe every day
“We must lead by example when it comes to workers' rights, and I will be encouraging Labour Members of Parliament, and Members of Parliament from across all parties, to support the security guards in seeking what is right and fair.”
'ESSENTIAL TO DEMOCRACY'
A spokesperson from Parliament told PoliticsHome: “Parliamentary security staff carry out the essential work of keeping Parliament safe and are valued members of the Parliamentary community.
"We have taken swift action to rectify the issues raised by the PCS Union regarding staff rest breaks and remain committed to finding a way forward that addresses outstanding concerns.
"Should the strike action proceed, business resilience plans will be put into place to ensure the security of the estate and the continued functioning of Parliament.”
Meanwhile, PoliticsHome revealed this morning that dozens of angry staffers working for MPs across the House of Commons have complained to parliamentary watchdogs in a major row over pay.
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