The strike will likely affect slow updates to the National Crime Database (Image Credits: Associated Press)
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Hundreds of civilian staff at the Metropolitan Police have walked out today in a dispute surrounding flexible working.
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) says its members were warned their pay would be reduced if they did not comply with a new attendance policy, which required up to 100% office attendance.
More than 300 workers have rejected returning to the office for extra days, arguing that these were unnecessary.
The workers striking are from the referencing and vetting team, and will be out from today until February 17.
It’s the first time administrative staff from the Met have chosen to take industrial action.
The PCS says it expects the strike to “cause major disruption in the backroom functions of the force,” especially the updating of the National Crime Database and vetting of new staff.
“Our hard-working members in the Met are angry as they believe they have been continually disrespected and ignored by their bosses,” said PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote.
“If their pay will be docked when they’re not on strike, they feel they might as well lose pay by walking out.
“The only way for Met managers to avoid the disruption of two weeks’ strike action is to get around the table and to listen to members’ concerns about the arbitrary new attendance policy,” she added.
A spokesperson for the Met said: “The vast majority of our hardworking staff are complying with the new hybrid working policy. The small percentage intending to strike are part of our vetting and referencing teams.
“Public services like call handling and other front-line roles will be not be affected but, as you would expect, we have full contingency plans in place.
“We have been engaging with our staff and trade unions for over a year on this policy, which is in line with many other organisations.”
A majority of PCS members voted to strike back in December last year.
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HeadlineMet Police civilian staff commence first ever strike over flexible working arrangements
Short HeadlineMetropolitan Police staff go on two-week strike
StandfirstHundreds of civilian employees have begun the walk-out over flexible working dispute
Hundreds of civilian staff at the Metropolitan Police have walked out today in a dispute surrounding flexible working.
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) says its members were warned their pay would be reduced if they did not comply with a new attendance policy, which required up to 100% office attendance.
More than 300 workers have rejected returning to the office for extra days, arguing that these were unnecessary.
The workers striking are from the referencing and vetting team, and will be out from today until February 17.
It’s the first time administrative staff from the Met have chosen to take industrial action.
The PCS says it expects the strike to “cause major disruption in the backroom functions of the force,” especially the updating of the National Crime Database and vetting of new staff.
“Our hard-working members in the Met are angry as they believe they have been continually disrespected and ignored by their bosses,” said PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote.
“If their pay will be docked when they’re not on strike, they feel they might as well lose pay by walking out.
“The only way for Met managers to avoid the disruption of two weeks’ strike action is to get around the table and to listen to members’ concerns about the arbitrary new attendance policy,” she added.
A spokesperson for the Met said: “The vast majority of our hardworking staff are complying with the new hybrid working policy. The small percentage intending to strike are part of our vetting and referencing teams.
“Public services like call handling and other front-line roles will be not be affected but, as you would expect, we have full contingency plans in place.
“We have been engaging with our staff and trade unions for over a year on this policy, which is in line with many other organisations.”
A majority of PCS members voted to strike back in December last year.
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