Staffordshire PCSOs ballot for strike action over working conditions
UNISON claims changes affect public safety and PCSO wellbeing
Police community support officers (PCSOs) in Staffordshire are being balloted for strike action beginning today, due to proposed changes to their working conditions.
The ballot involves 160 PCSOs, with the vote continuing until 15th May.
The dispute, according to UNISON, centres around new proposals that involve reduced staffing during evenings and weekends and additional duties such as routine statement-taking.
These changes, UNISON warns, may reduce the visibility of PCSOs during key times, impacting neighbourhood policing principles and posing risks to public safety.
Ashley Morley, UNISON West Midlands regional organiser, emphasised the importance of PCSOs saying, “PCSOs are the frontline staff that keep communities feeling safe.”
Morley argued that reducing their visibility at crucial times could compromise public safety and public confidence.
“These proposals go beyond changes to working patterns. They undermine the very foundation of neighbourhood policing," Morley said.
"The changes are so significant that dedicated PSCOs are now considering strikes," Morley added. "Staffordshire Police must pause these ill-advised changes and begin talks to resolve the dispute.”
Cuts to pay, shifts and duties
UNISON’s claims suggest a 14% potential pay cut, a concern as PCSOs reportedly leave the force due to financial pressures. Morley told our Chief Reporter, Adam Smith, “The proposals result in up to a 14% pay cut, and I think anyone in the country right now wouldn't be able to stomach that given what's going on in the world.”
A spokesperson from Staffordshire Police indicated ongoing dialogue with Unison during the consultation process, stating, “We have been informed by Unison, the representative body for police staff, that it is currently balloting police community support officers (PCSOs) for industrial action.”
“The changes to PCSO shift patterns will not impact our commitment to deliver visible local policing," the spokesperson clarified.
“We have recently increased the number of neighbourhood police officers by 53 in line with the government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, and we’ll have an additional 26 officers this year," Staffordshire Police said.
“Our priority is to support PCSOs during this process and to continue to deliver effective policing to support local communities," the spokesperson added.
Both parties continue to consider the effects of these changes as ballot proceedings unfold.
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