Press releases

Over 100 Labour MPs sign motion opposing Government attack on civil servants

8th February 2010

Over 100 Labour MPs have now signed an Early Day Motion calling on the Government to think again on its “unfair proposals” which would tear up the terms and conditions of civil and public servants.

The support comes as the largest civil service union, PCS, has begun balloting its members for industrial action. EDM 251 ‘Civil Service Compensation Scheme’ has been signed by 141 MPs in all, 101 of whom are Labour backbenchers.

John McDonnell MP, LRC Chair, said:

“There is considerable opposition on the Labour backbenches to the Government’s proposals to make civil servants cheaper to sack. If PCS members vote to strike, then we shall be with them on the picket lines.

“Tearing up the accrued rights of a dedicated workforce is no example for the Government to be setting. The Government must think again if it wants to avoid industrial action in the run-up to the General Election.”

-Ends-

Notes to Editors:

For full details of EDM 251, see: http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=39794&SESSION=903 . The EDM was tabled by Katy Clark MP

John McDonnell MP is Chair of the LRC, and also chairs the PCS Parliamentary Group.

The LRC has conference policy to oppose changes to the Civil Service Compensation Scheme. More information from the PCS website.