PCS members working in MoJ Shared Service centres in Bootle, Merseyside and Newport, South Wales will be taking further industrial action against privatisation. The 120 members based in Bootle will be taking 6 days of strike action from 24-31 July. There is also a 1-day strike by MOJ shared services members in Newport on 31 July and an overtime ban that will extend until the end of August.
PCS is concerned that the government’s agenda of privatising shared services is already leading to job cuts, office closures and the off-shoring of jobs and personal data.
On 23 June the Ministry of Justice became the latest department to announce it is to privatise its shared services centres in Newport and Bootle – which covers the Home Office, NOMS as well as the Prison and Probation Services – to SSCL, 75% of which is owned by Steria.
PCS is asking MPs to contact the Justice Secretary Chris Grayling, the Cabinet Secretary Francis Maude and Steria Chief Executive John Torrie asking them to ensure negotiations are entered into with a view to resolving this dispute and protecting jobs, services and data. They are also asking for messages of support from union colleagues. Branches and members can send these to Lori Malone at the TUCG lori.malone@parliament.uk and she will pass them on. Napo would also encourage members, where possible, to visit picket lines to show support.