House of Commons security guards win long-running dispute

Westminster security guards have won their long-running dispute in the House of Commons after bosses scrapped controversial plans to introduce a new shift pattern.

More than 250 Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union members in the autumn voted to take strike action after being told to work extra night shifts to cover for a lack of staff.

The strikes were suspended for talks with the employer, which have now concluded with the new shifts being changed.

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “This is a big win for our members working in the House of Commons. I congratulate them for having the courage to say ‘No’ to what would have been detrimental to their work/life balance.

“This victory shows what can be achieved when we organise in the workplace and stand strong together.”

ends