Civil servants at HMRC are “definitely up for the fight”, a union said as they walked out in a dispute over pay and conditions.
On Wednesday, PCS members from HMRC in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, and Newcastle initiated a targeted strike action. They will down tools for a total of 18 days from now until June 2.
The reason for the strike is their demand for a proper pay rise from the Government, which they claim they haven’t received in 13 years. They are asking for a 10% increase and refuse to accept being treated as a poor relation.
On Wednesday morning, union members picketed outside the HMRC offices in East Kilbride and Benton Park View in Newcastle. The union stated that the strike would affect the employer helpline, construction industry scheme helpline, and webchat services. Additionally, it warned of a severe impact on the student loans unit.
John Davidson, who serves as the PCS branch president for HMRC in East Kilbride, claimed that members are taking action to get a fair pay rise from the Government. He explained that the members have not received a proper pay increase from the Government for 13 years. This situation is unacceptable, especially given the cost-of-living crisis that people have been facing.
Our members striking today because they cannot survive on a mere 2% pay rise, which is the last official offer they received, while the cost of living, including food, fuel, and heating bills, continues to increase exponentially.
Initially, we requested a 10% pay rise, but considering the rising cost of living, which our members have been suffering for over a decade, that is our baseline. Compared to 13 years ago, their wages’ actual value has significantly decreased due to the cost of living. However, the current offer from the Government is nowhere near our baseline.
“Since we served notice of this action on employers, we’ve recruited hundreds of additional members between here and the other office in Newcastle that’s out on strike today so they’re definitely up for the fight.”
Mr Davidson claimed that the national minimum wage is affecting staff retention, resulting in difficulties delivering services. With 19,000 union members at HMRC affected by low pay.
“This isn’t just selfish civil servants fighting for pay; it’s about defending public services,” he added.
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka highlighted that nearly one in three HMRC staff and one in five DWP employees are on the national minimum wage or in-work benefits due to successive years of low pay raises. He emphasized that these individuals are the government’s own workforce and deserve better treatment.
“PCS members will continue to exert pressure until the government improves its offer to us,” Serwotka concluded. Emphasizing their determination not left behind or treated like second-class citizens.
A spokesperson from the UK Government stated that they acknowledge the hard work and crucial role of civil servants. Therefore, they are providing the most significant salary hike in two decades, aligning with the projected wage growth across the economy.
The deal is also impartial to taxpayers and helps the Government achieve its pledge to reduce inflation by 50% this year, allowing everyone’s earnings to stretch further.
The Government believes that dialogue with unions should persist, and industrial action should taken as a last resort. They encourage unions to appreciate what is reasonable and affordable, as the entire nation faces these cost-of-living obstacles.
The ongoing strike by civil servants at HMRC over pay and conditions highlights the ongoing challenges faced by low-paid workers in the UK. The Public and Commercial Services Union is demanding a 10% pay rise for its member. Who have not seen a proper increase in wages for over a decade. The union claims that low pay is affecting staff retention. Which, in turn, is making it challenging to deliver public services. The government has responded by stating that it recognizes the hard work and crucial role of civil servants. And is providing the most significant salary hike in two decades.
However, union members are continuing their determination to fight for their fair share. And they will continue the strike action until their demands are met. The dispute is highlighting the need for fair pay for all workers. And it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that civil servants are not left behind or treated as second-class citizens.
