17 Nov 2009
Over 1,000 members of the union PCS working on government IT contracts began a strike ballot yesterday.
The union members work for EDS, which was bought by HP last year. The PCS says since the buyout 3,400 staff have been axed and a pay freeze imposed and voluntary pay cuts urged by HP managers. The union says HP plans a further 1,000 redundancies.
The balloted workers are employed mainly on outsourced IT contracts for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in locations around the UK, including Newcastle, Washington, Preston and the Fylde Coast.
Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary, said there has been growing anger among staff.
"Staff have been contributing significantly to HP’s revenue, whilst shouldering greater workloads and helping to generate good profit levels," he said.
"Yet their reward is more job cuts, imposed pay freezes and pleas from the company to take a voluntary pay cut. We will be urging members to deliver a strong yes vote and tell management that enough is enough," he added.
The ballot runs until 30 November and asks members to vote on a series of one and two day strikes and the possibility of action short of strike, such as an overtime ban or rest-day working.
HP said in a statement today that it will evaluate the situation as soon as the result of the local ballot is available.
"We will continue to maintain a dialogue with the union in an attempt to avoid any form of industrial action," the statement said.
Also posted on another website...
I'm a bit annoyed at this news about a strike.
I also work for EDS in second line support for IT, but i'm employed via Kelly Services to EDS.
Yet every article I have read concerning this strike only appears aimed at improving those with EDS/HP "contracts". I don't have an EDS/HP "contract" because it's virtually impossible to get one, and my current pay is WORSE than those who do have a contract.
We have also been advised not to take part in the strike if you are a member of Kelly Services as it would be too risky for us (if you are a member of PCS).
It frustrates me that people who are being paid MORE than Kelly Staff, working for the same company, are complaining about being paid 3-15k more than we are.
I would give my right arm to be paid what these people on Contracts are paid!!!
I support the protest, but get the impression its aimed purely at those with contracts and those employed through a job agency are being ignored.
Posted by: SNS 07 Dec 2009
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