PCS members in The Pensions Regulator begin strike action

Over 250 PCS members working for The Pensions Regulator (TPR) are on strike between 5 and 18 September because their employer is refusing to pay the government's revised pay remit.

Gathered at the first picket line of a fortnight of strike action, over fifty members voiced their anger over their employer’s continued refusal to fully implement government concessions on pay.

TPR is only offering 3% while other civil service employers are paying 4.5%, with an additional 0.5% of the overall pay pot to be targeted at the worst paid staff. 

PCS members at TPR are particularly angry because TPR has got a substantial bonus pot of £1.5 million which is set to be paid mainly to the highest-paid staff, with the lowest paid seeing very little of this money.  

Lively and colourful, the picket line has benefited from the energy of an influx of new members. After the strike action was called, PCS membership almost doubled at TPR – ramping up the pressure on the employer.  

But there is also external pressure. The picket line has attracted wide support from the people of Brighton. Many passers-by have stopped to speak with and offer solidarity to our members who are on strike.  

Speaking from the picket line, one member, Jacky, said that the employer "really needs to take note".

"We've got 60 people on the picket line and every other vehicle is tooting their horn in support," she continued. "What I really love is the fact that paramedics and other blue light vehicles are amongst the most enthusiastic supporters".

How to show your support: 

• Visit the picket lines which will be held on every day of the strike action (except Saturdays and Sundays) until 18 September, outside Telecom House, 125-135 Preston Road, Brighton BN1 6AF, from 8:00 to 10:30. 
• Send messages of support to editor@pcs.org.uk  
• You can also support our striking members by making an online donation to our strike fund. 

Not yet a PCS member? Join online today.