By Ruth Foley, PCS member
In 2010 the government implemented a two-year pay freeze followed by five years of a 1% pay cap. PCS members, therefore, have had an increase of only 5% in their wages in seven years. In that time inflation has increased by over 21%. This is a drastic cut in pay and it affects the whole of the public sector. On average public-sector workers have lost over £7,000 a year in pay by taking inflation into account.
It is at this critical time that PCS has called a consultative ballot of its members in advance of the Autumn Budget, to show the Chancellor the strength of feeling within workforce that the cap must be scrapped.
There have been reports that the government will lift the pay cap for some but not others. Front-line police and prison staff might have slightly more, but not nurses, teachers or others. This is a divide and rule tactic. All public-sector workers do a vital role, and all deserve a decent pay rise to cover the cost of living. No-one in work should have to rely on the charity of foodbanks.
PCS has made the decision that it is time to say, “enough is enough”. The pay freeze has gone on for far too long and now is the time to ramp up the campaign against this government’s austerity, which affects low paid workers far more than they do rich MPs sitting in parliament cutting services and other peoples’ pay.
The consultative ballot, which is not statutory, is open until November 6th. It asks two questions. Do members agree that the pay cap should be scrapped and that government funds should be made available to provide an above inflation pay rise? And it asks members if they are willing to take strike action if the demands aren’t met. Members need to vote yes to both questions.
Voting is extremely important. Under the new anti-trade union laws introduced by the Tories, a none-voter is automatically counted as “no” to industrial action. The turnout must be high to give the right message to government ahead of the Autumn Budget.
At the TUC in September, unions were united in seeking to end the pay cap and campaign for above-inflation pay rises and joint campaigns. Joint strike action by all the public sector unions would be great, but PCS must be willing to take action alone to lift the poverty wages that some of our members are paid.
October 20 2017
