Hundreds of security staff at the Houses of Parliament have begun strike action in a dispute over pay, working conditions, and annual leave.
Members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union based at the Palace of Westminster are walking out from 07:00 BST to 19:00 on each of the next two Wednesdays. The industrial action coincides with Parliament’s return from summer recess.
The union says the removal of six days of annual leave from staff contracts, pay stagnation and a widening ethnicity pay gap have left members deeply frustrated.
Alongside the walkouts, PCS members will take further industrial action short of a strike, including a ban on overtime and work-to-rule measures, running until 12 September.
PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said the strike was necessary to secure fair treatment for staff. She stressed that security teams work tirelessly to ensure the safety of MPs, peers, staff and visitors at the heart of the UK’s democracy and deserve fair pay and conditions.
During the strike, parliamentary pass holders will not be able to bring guests onto the estate.
A UK Parliament spokesperson said the decision to strike was disappointing, given months of engagement with staff and unions to resolve concerns. They added that parliamentary security staff are valued colleagues and that Parliament remains committed to addressing staff issues while ensuring safety on the estate.
Contingency measures have been put in place with the Metropolitan Police to maintain security and avoid disruption to parliamentary business.
