Aberdare Job Centre Staff Vote For Strike

Posted on January 12th, 2006 filed in Aberdare Town, Local News, Misc

Members of the union working for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in Aberdare Job Centre, and other local benefit offices, pension centres and the Child Support Agency (CSA) have voted for strike action in a dispute over deteriorating service levels and government job cuts.

60% of those voting, endorsed the union’s call for a two-day nationwide strike. The ballot result comes as job cuts in the DWP have already contributed to one million benefit calls going unanswered, leading to people having to wait up to eight weeks before they receive their first benefit payment.

The axe has so far fallen on approximately 15,000 posts in the DWP as it seeks to cull 30,000 jobs as part of a government drive to cut a further 70,000 across the rest of the civil service. The resultant pressure on staff has now reached unacceptable levels and the deteriorating service has led to a significant increase in problems in local offices.

The union is calling for the DWP to halt the job cuts programme and to objectively assess with the union adequate staffing levels based on operational need.

A spokesperson for the union said : “It is unacceptable that job cuts in the name of efficiency are actually leading to people having to wait longer to get advice about finding a job or understanding the benefits they are entitled to. The department and the government need to halt the job cuts programme and engage with the union in objectively assessing staffing needs and the impact of staffing levels on services. As ever we stand ready and willing to reach a negotiated outcome that meets the expectations of the public and staff alike. But if no agreement can be reached we will have no other option but to strike in defence of key public services.”

See also

• Aberdare Job Centre