House of Commons security guards vote overwhelmingly to strike

House of Commons security guards have voted overwhelmingly for strike action after being told to work extra night shifts to cover for a lack of staff. 

The more than 250 Public and Commercial Services (PCS) members, who work across the Palace of Westminster, voted 94.63% for strike action on a 79.23% turnout, will announce strike dates later this month.

A strike would result in restricted access to the Houses of Parliament, resulting in long queues for MPs, staff and visitors.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “For our members on shift work, their rosters are just as important as pay. They are angry their department is permanently understaffed, the rosters were imposed, and that their work/life balance appears to be of little or no consequence to their managers. 

“The way they have been poorly treated by their managers in recent times has contributed to the turn-out and the result of the ballot: members in the past have had their seats taken away, meaning they have to stand, often for twelve-hour shifts, wearing heavy security clothing.

“They see staff leaving or going on long term sick, and the burden of service delivery falls upon those who remain. The new rosters do not alleviate the burden. No wonder they are telling management: “Enough is enough”.

The result comes as workers in Whitehall embark on a five-day strike over pay.

ends