Thousands of Jobcentre Plus call centre workers are on strike today (Monday 18 April) in protest at draconian working conditions that make people sick and stop them from giving the public a proper service.
PCS members on 37 picket lines all over the UK would welcome visits from fellow trades unionists.
Messages of support can be sent to a central point from where they will be passed on to the strikers.
Messages make a huge difference to people’s morale and can be sent by email to leeds@pcs.org.uk or texted to 07624 806296.
oday's strike has been solid.
Martin John, group secrertary of PCS in the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) - which includes Jobcentres, said: “PCS DWP group is delighted at the level of support for today’s action and calls for the pressure to remain from 19 April onwards in action short of a strike.”
PCS DWP group president, Jane Aitchison, said: “Management have been given every opportunity to settle this dispute and we are ready to negotiate at any time. However, they should be in no doubt as to our members' resolve”.
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka described the working the conditions of the 7,000 strikers: “Staff are monitored every minute of the day. The computer dictates start and finish times and tells them when to go for a break, with staff hauled up if they are 40 seconds late back or go over the time allowed for a call. Toilet breaks are monitored and constantly questioned.
"These call centres are a vital lifeline for members of the public when they need to claim benefits, when they're sick or disabled or need help getting back into work. Enquiries are often complicated and many callers are understandably desperate and upset - some of them have no one else to turn to.
"Our members are not numbers, and neither are the unemployed. Jobcentre workers want to help people, but often they're encouraged to just get the caller off the phone as quickly as possible and this cannot be right."
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