Strike action continues at the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office in East Kilbride, as PCS union members employed as caterers and cleaners escalate their dispute over pay. Following seven days of strike action, OCS employees are set to walk out on October 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, and 24. Picket lines will be held at Abercrombie House on Eaglesham Road between 7.30am and 10am on the strike dates.
Last week’s actions were well supported, with the Scottish Trades Union Congress deputy president, Dave Moxham, attending the picket line on October 3. The PCS union has expressed willingness to engage in dispute resolution negotiations, but no proposal has been received from OCS to commence negotiations. Instead, cover staff, including managers on high salaries, are being deployed to provide minimum services, diverting funds that could be used to resolve the dispute.
A PCS member participating in the strike highlighted their family’s long dedication to serving government workers at Abercrombie House and emphasized the need for better pay and fair terms. The union stresses that OCS must engage in meaningful negotiations to reach a resolution and avoid further disruption to services. The Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office clarified that the affected staff are employed by an external contractor and not directly by the government.
Despite the ongoing industrial action, the OCS has not responded to requests for negotiations. The PCS remains resolute in their demands for fair treatment and compensation for their members. As the situation unfolds, the union continues to seek dialogue and a mutually agreeable solution to the dispute. Efforts are being made to raise awareness and support for the striking workers in their pursuit of better working conditions at Abercrombie House in East Kilbride.