MyCSP Recognition Dispute

PCS union members working at MyCSP, who administer Civil Service Pensions nationally, entered the mid-point of a 6 week strike on 28 July. The workers, based in Liverpool and Greater Manchester, are on strike for union recognition.

MyCSP work is set to be transferred to outsourcing giants Capita from 1 December. PCS has thus far been denied consultation on the terms of the transfer.

Well-attended picket lines during the first 3 weeks have been supported by delegations from PCS DWP Liverpool Branch, PCS ARMs (Retired Members) local groups in both Liverpool and Manchester and NW TUC and have seen visits from Kim Johnson (MP), Paul Nowak (TUC General Secretary), Martin Cavanagh (PCS President) and Angela Grant (DWP Group President).

Instead of talking to the union, management have appointed staff representatives with whom they are "consulting" over the transfer. Staff have been offered 12 hours per week overtime, bonuses and even free pizza and cakes to induce people to cross the picket line. 

This is clearly unsustainable as borne out on 25 July when PCS received a letter from Capita, who are taking over the contract, offering discussions on union recognition. 

The CEO of MyCSP said at a recent Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee meeting that “If I recognise the union, know that there will be an assumption that the union will be recognised by Capita. I need to make sure Capita is comfortable”. Capita would indeed seem to be "comfortable" so the block on PCS entering into TUPE talks appears to lie squarely at the door of MyCSP.

Under the Transfer of Undertaking Regulations (TUPE) the union is entitled to consultation before the transfer of the work takes place but this will not happen without recognition. 

Recognition talks are due to start on 5 August and although this is a step forward the strike continues as PCS need to be involved in the talks now. As a consequence the Branch have asked the national union for permission to extend the strike beyond the initial 6 weeks if necessary. 

This dispute is over the fundamental issue of union recognition and deserves the support of all Trade Unionists.

Picket Lines are Monday to Friday: 

Liverpool

40 Tithebarn Street, City Centre, L2 2BP, 7:30am to 10am. 

Cheadle

Landmark House, Station Road, Bird Hall Lane, SK8 7BS, 8am to 10am.

Messages of support can be sent to laura@pcs.org.uk

Click here for more information about the dispute and to find out how you can help and click here for local updates about the dispute.