EHRC picket 18 January - call for support

PCS is in dispute alongside colleagues in Unite after Equality and Human Rights Commission were told to expect budget cuts of 25%, on top of the 70% cut since 2010. Nineteen of the first 26 posts due to be axed are held by staff in the three lowest paid grades, meaning the government body responsible for protecting vulnerable workers is itself disproportionately targeting older, ethnic minority and disabled staff.

The commission's new structure would mean fewer caseworkers supporting victims of discrimination and the closure of offices in Birmingham, Leeds, Edinburgh and Newcastle. There will also be the loss of the conciliation service and grants programme. This is undermining the EHRC's statuary responsibilities to encourage equality and diversity, eliminate discrimination and protect the human rights of everyone in Britain.

PCS members have been supporting staff on the picket lines during their strike action. We ask for your support for the next day of action on Wednesday 18.1.17. If you can, please come along to the picket line on Corporation Street/Cross Street opposite Next, Arndale House, Manchester M4 3AQ between 7.00am and 10.15am.

Kind regards

Donna Henners
PCS
Band 2 Organising Officer
0151 298 3900

EHRC Picket Line - Manchester

Our union is taking action alongside colleagues in Unite after workers were told to expect a 25% budget cut and threatened with compulsory redundancies. This follows a 70% cut to the commission's budget since 2010. In a ballot, 82% of the union's members at EHRC voted for strikes and 90% for other forms of industrial action, on a 64.7% turnout.

19 of the first 26 posts due to be axed are held by staff in the three lowest paid grades, meaning the government body responsible for protecting vulnerable workers is itself disproportionately targeting older, ethnic minority and disabled staff. The commission has refused to consider alternative sources of savings, including the high cost of employing non-payroll consultants - with almost £1.2 million last year paid to just eight staff.

We are asking all PCS members to show solidarity and support for the strikers on Wednesday morning. We are looking for as many branches and groups as possible to support the picket line for a short time on Wednesday morning.

More details on the PCS website - here.

EHRC picket address: Manchester, Arndale Centre (across the road from Selfridges, Cross Street), Arndale House, M4 3AQ. Between 7.30 am to 10.00 am.

On Twitter: @savetheehrc / #savetheehrc 

If you cannot attend the picket line please send a message and photographs of support to londonbargaining@pcs.org.uk