Hundreds of security personnel stationed at the Houses of Parliament are initiating strike action due to grievances regarding pay and working conditions.
Members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union employed at the Palace of Westminster will stage a walkout for a full 24 hours starting at 07:00 BST on the next two Wednesdays.
The union has expressed that the employer’s decision to eliminate six days of annual leave from employees’ contracts, along with stagnant wages and an increasing pay disparity based on ethnicity, has been a significant source of frustration.
A spokesperson for UK Parliament commented that “the choice to go ahead with strike action is disheartening after months of open discussions aimed at addressing ongoing concerns.”
During the strike, individuals with parliamentary passes will be prohibited from bringing guests onto the parliamentary estate.
Moreover, the union plans to engage in action short of a strike, which includes implementing an overtime ban and adhering strictly to work rules until 12 September.
Fran Heathcote, general secretary of PCS, stated: “Our committed members at the Palace of Westminster will undertake industrial action this week as parliament reconvenes, advocating for fair pay and conditions.
“They consistently put in tremendous effort to guarantee the safety of Members of Parliament, Lords, staff, and visitors within the UK’s national parliamentary building.
“They rightfully deserve fair treatment and a response to their numerous concerns from the employer.”
In response, a UK Parliament spokesperson remarked: “Parliamentary security staff are respected members of our team.
“We remain dedicated to collaborating with staff and unions to tackle the raised issues and achieve a resolution.
“Above all, ensuring the safety and security of everyone within the Parliamentary community, as well as visitors to Parliament, is our top priority.
“In conjunction with the Metropolitan Police, we have established comprehensive contingency plans to maintain both the safety of the estate and the continuity of parliamentary operations.”
