ONS members to vote on extending dispute

The ballot to continue industrial action by ONS members reflects the continued failure of ONS management to engage with PCS to resolve the dispute, which was prompted by the introduction of a mandatory workplace attendance requirement of at least 40% from April 2024.

Previously, the organisation had allowed staff maximum flexibility to balance home and office working. The new policy disrupts childcare and other domestic responsibilities and imposes lengthy travel times, without enhancing productivity in any way.

After voting to take industrial action in April, PCS members in the ONS have taken action short of a strike (ASOS) in the form of non-compliance with the attendance policy, spending as much or as little time in the office as they choose, rather than meeting an arbitrary quota. Following a survey of members in July, which confirmed there is overwhelming support for the union’s stance, PCS broadened out the action to incorporate a work-to-rule, with the aim of disrupting ONS outputs by withdrawing the goodwill that allows deadlines to be met.

With the current mandate due to expire on 2 October, members are being urged to vote to extend the dispute, in order to maintain pressure on management to enter talks to address our concerns.

The ballot runs from 10 September until noon on 1 October and covers both strike action and action short of a strike (ASOS).