WORKERS at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and Ofgem have joined thousands of fellow PCS members at public agencies across Britain in strike action this week.

PCS is fighting a series of long-running disputes across the public sector focused on fair pay, pensions and terms and conditions. The government have offered only a 2 per cent pay uplift, well below the 10.4 per cent inflation rate.

“This is part of a campaign of sustained, targeted action across the Civil Service that is designed to have maximum impact on the government and force them back to the negotiating table,” PCS industrial officer Jenni Gunn said.

The strikes hit a vast array of government functions, not least HM Passport Office (HMPO), already busy as summer approaches.  Agencies operating under auspices of the Department of Transport, the DVLA, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and the National Traffic Centre are all now on strike, with the British Museum and British Library also being picketed.

This week workers at Ofgem, the energy market regulator, also began a one-week walkout, both in Glasgow and London’s Canary Wharf, building on earlier one-day stoppages.

Where Ofgem itself has come under criticism as energy prices rocket, other unions and campaigners were keen to show solidarity with Ofgem workers, with the Glasgow picket being attended by City of Glasgow Unison Branch officers, energy price campaigners Power to the People, SNP MP Chris Stephens and a local Labour councillor.

PCS described this week’s Britain-wide action as having been a “strong start,” with pickets well attended and enjoying the support of the public.

“Our members, who were hailed as ‘the fourth emergency service’ in Parliament a mere year ago, are claiming in-work benefits to make ends meet,” said Ms Gunn. 

“They’re using foodbanks, and 49,000 staff in the two largest government departments are on the minimum wage. This government have treated them with contempt.”

But Ms Gunn was keen to point out that targeted action at HMPO and Ofgem in Glasgow “has been a huge success. We’ve seen unprecedented numbers of workers join PCS, solid picket lines, and huge impacts to the key services our members deliver.

“Government can end this chaos — but we need more than empty words,” she said. “PCS members will continue to strike until that goal is realised.”