Cleaners, security guards and support staff in three major Whitehall departments announce second five-day strike

Cleaners, security guards and support staff in three major Whitehall departments have announced another five-day strike.

The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union members working for outsourced contractor ISS at the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, Department for Business & Trade and Department for Science, Innovation & Technology will walk out from October 9-13.

The almost 100 workers are angry to have been offered just a 2.2% rise when inflation is running at 6.8%. They are also calling for an end to outsourcing and for ISS to formally recognise the union.   

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "We're still waiting to meet with ISS, which has failed to even respond to our request for an improved offer.  It's no wonder our members are so angry and determined when they're treated with such arrogance and disdain."

The new action follows the well-supported strike at the beginning of the month, where members took action for five days.

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