More than 100,000 civil servants will go on strike on budget day in an escalating dispute over pay, pensions and job security.
The Trade and Public Service (PCS) union has announced a new strike date of March 15, as Prime Minister Jeremy Hunt prepares to announce his spring budget.
It follows a strike last week that saw hundreds of thousands of members of 123 government agencies across England, Scotland and Wales protest.
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The union warned that next month’s strike could include an additional 33,000 members working for 10 other employers, including HM Tax and Customs (HMRC), whose vote is due on Jan. February 28.
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “Rishi Sunak doesn’t seem to understand that the more he ignores our members’ requests for a raise in wages to help them weather the cost of living crisis, the more he becomes make them angrier and more determined.” .
“PCS members are suffering from a completely unacceptable pay cut. For example, by April, one-third of HMRC employees will only earn the minimum wage. 40,000 civil servants have used it. It’s a horrible treatment of its own workforce government.”
Mr Serwotka said the prime minister “could end this dispute tomorrow if he puts more money on the table”.
“If he refuses to do it, then more action is inevitable,” he warned.
The PCS union is calling for a 10% pay rise, pension protection and protection from job cuts.
The government has said the demands – which it says will cost £2.4bn – are unacceptable.
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Mark Serwotka says industrial activity is likely to grow unless the government addresses the requirements.
The dispute has become increasingly acrimonious with Mr Serwotka calling for talks last month to halt the move. a “complete farce” and warn of future strikes “will be even bigger” if ministers don’t act.
The strikes have affected a number of key government ministries and agencies including the Border Force, National Highways, Department for Work and Pensions and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).
Newly voted members include those working for HMRC, the Welsh government, the Care Quality Commission and Company House.
Civil servants are among thousands of public sector workers on strike demanding pay and conditions amid soaring inflation and falling living standards.
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Environment Agency staff will go on strike tomorrow, while teachers and university staff will continue their strike next week.
Union leaders have called on the government to take action to prevent further strike action, but ministers in Britain have indicated they will not budge on one of the main points of contention – pay for the year 2022/23.
