EXCL Tory ex-policing minister condemns 'injustice' for parliamentary security guards in workplace row
2 min read
A Tory ex-policing minister has condemned the "injustice" suffered by parliamentary security guards who are set to strike in a dispute over working conditions.
Mike Penning said the staff who police the entrances at the Palace of Westminster must be treated “with respect”.
Security guards voted last week to walk out for a day on 20 March in a row about contract terms including workloads and a number of disagreements about individual cases.
There was also a row about break times, but according to the Commons that part of the dispute has been resolved.
Some 86% of the more than 240 members balloted voted for strike action on a turnout of 62% - piling pressure on the House of Commons Commission to meet their demands.
But the security guards were handed a boost when Mr Penning, who served in the Home Office between 2014 and 2016, backed their campaign.
“I think they need to be treated fairly,” he told PoliticsHome. “We need to get around the table and sort this thing out.
“They are the people who are keeping us safe here on a daily basis and they need to be treated in a way that any of the rest of us should be - with respect.”
He added: “Parliament is doing them an injustice… Something has gone wrong with the management of this. They are our people here protecting us.”
The security guards have also won support from Tories David Amess and Sir Peter Bottomley, as well as dozens of Labour MP and others.
They have even secured the backing of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who told PoliticsHome the Commons “must lead by example when it comes to workers' rights”.
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said last month: “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.”
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.”
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