PCS has suspended strike action across all of its facilities management disputes with contractors to hold intensive talks.
The civil service union has paused planned strike action by outsourced staff at OCS, ISS and G4S from today until 17 March at the following departments and buildings:
- Cabinet Office
- Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
- Department for Business and Trade
- Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
- Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
- Canary Wharf Hub
- No.10
The disputes involve outsourced security workers, cleaners, caterers, porters, receptionists, maintenance operatives and post-room staff.
PCS said it will enter into intensive talks for two weeks, starting today, aimed at resolving longstanding disputes with OCS, ISS and G4S over pay, terms and conditions.
The union said the suspension of the action “comes because of a proposal to engage with PCS nationally on dispute resolution” and that it will allow “intense negotiations to attempt to reach a resolution to the trade disputes”.
It said its members “have shown tremendous effort and resolve in their determination to win their fight for fair pay, terms and conditions”.
“The strength they have shown on their picket lines for many weeks and the impact of their action has forced a concession of the offer of national negotiations,” the union added.
As part of the offer of negotiations, PCS said it has secured the following assurances: each employer is willing to engage in a national process and wants a resolution to the dispute; any proposals will be presented to the appropriate officials for a funding decision; and there will be significant progress during the two-week suspension period.
A spokesperson for ISS UK&I said: “We are pleased this action has been suspended. We value the contribution of every ISS team member and will continue to work towards a resolution.”