What happens if I go on strike?

PCS has called for strike action in defence of pay, pensions, terms and conditions. The union has called for 20^th March and the afternoon of 5^th April. You may be wondering just what this means in terms of your job and any loss of pay.

The following may be helpful:

·      Some managers may start asking members if they intend to join the dispute. You do not have to give this information and if they are PCS members, those managers should be asking themselves the same question! Any attempts at intimidation should be reported to your PCS rep.

·         You may well receive a letter from the department warning you of the consequences of going on strike. This is common practice and seems worse than it really is. You cannot be sacked or discriminated against for taking part in strike action following a lawful ballot

·         You can only lose pay if you go on strike you do not lose the flexi time as well

·       You will lose one day's pay minus tax and this will come out of March’s salary. It works out at 1/31^st of you usual salary obviously pro rata for part time staff.

·       Members close to retirement often fear taking strike action will affect their Pension. The truth is the effect is minimal.

·         PCS cannot afford strike pay for every member however there will be a hardship fund available with a limited amount of money for those in desperate need once the pay has been deducted.

·   Temporary staff can feel very vulnerable, it is however illegal for management to terminate your contract for supporting lawful industrial action.

·       Your Office should be picketed in order to peacefully try and persuade people not to go in to work on those days. Please support PCS by joining your own picket line Don’t just leave it to the reps.

·      Non- members can join PCS any time even on the picket line on the first day of the dispute. As soon as you sign the form you are a member.

·      All Members rallies will be held on Wednesday 20^th March starting from 11am in the following places: Preston (Flag Market, Flag Market Square), Manchester (Piccadilly Gardens), Liverpool (Liner Hotel, Lord Nelson Street, Liverpool)