Important message for all DWP members

DWP confirm check off stops at end of March 2015

Following lengthy and detailed negotiations the DWP have now written to PCS confirming that that check off will be stopped. The Group Executive Committee (GEC) has kept branches fully informed throughout the talks and constantly asked regions and branches to give priority to getting all members DD ready.

In the final stages of the talks the GEC successfully argued that because the 90 days notice had been given so late in December check off should continue until the end of March. The final collection of union subscriptions by check off will be on Tuesday 31st March 2015.

The first payment by direct debit will be on Friday 1st May 2015. We need every member DD ready a couple of weeks before that to give PCS HQ time to process everything. 

The “justification” given by the DWP for the ending of the check off facility is that there is no statutory obligation for employers to provide this service and a sweeping reference to the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act. (see management's letter below).

The truth is that the removal of check off is a political attack on PCS by the government. The government think they can silence PCS by removing check-off which they hope will disrupt our finances, and weaken the union’s ability to campaign against austerity and to organise to fight for better pay, jobs, pensions and conditions of service.

This attack by the Tories will fail. PCS in the DWP will lead the union in making sure that every member gets DD ready and every non member is asked to join the union.

Over 80% of members with Wigan branch have now completed and returned direct debit forms so if you haven't already done so, now's the time folks.

Your reps can help you with your memberships number if you need it.