PCS: Pickles in court over union subs
The decision by Eric Pickles and the Department for Communities & Local Government (DCLG) to stop allowing the payroll department to deduct union subscriptions direct from salary – as has been custom and practice for years – is being challenged in the High Court next Tuesday 3rd September.
This move, which will save the tax payer £30 per month, could end up costing the taxpayer over £50,000 is the decision is deemed unlawful.
PCS believe that the right to have deductions from source is part of a contractual right in the staff handbook.
PCS believes that the move is not about saving any money for the taxpayer but more about a statement from the Government that they want to make it harder for Unions to organise.
PCS General Secretary Mark Serwotka said “This is a fundamental attack by the Tory led Government and Eric Pickles in particular on Trade Unions right to organise. Deductions of Union subs via check off are a long established practice and the Government are trying to rip it up. PCS is determined to resist this move”.
A lively and vocal protest will be held outside the court next Tuesday between 9-30 and 10-30 to which PCS has invited other unions to support.
ENDS
Notes
– For more detailed background information and ‘on the day’ contact Nick McCarthy, PCS Head of Campaigns, on 07836 566266
– For other information contact Steve Battlemuch on 07981 032031 or steveb@pcs.org.uk
– PCS is the UK's sixth largest union and represents civil and public servants in central government and in parts of government transferred to the private sector. Mark Serwotka is the general secretary and the president is Janice Godrich – on Twitter @janicegodrich
– Follow PCS on Twitter @pcs_union
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