PCS union members at Civil Service Pension Scheme administrator MyCSP will hold another three weeks of strike action ahead of their transfer to outsourcing giant Capita.
The employees, who have been taking strike action since 7 July, will continue their walkouts until 28 November, the last day of the MyCSP contract before its move over to Capita.
PCS said the 16 weeks of strike action taken so far has caused “significant disruption to MyCSP operations, leading to a growing backlog of cases”.
The long-standing dispute is over MyCSP's refusal to allow PCS to represent employees ahead of their planned TUPE transfer to Capita in December. The employees’ latest spell of strike action had been due to end on 7 November before yesterday’s announcement that it would be extended.
PCS said it is “deeply frustrated at the continued refusal of MyCSP chief executive Duncan Watson to attend meetings, demonstrating a clear lack of respect for staff concerns”.
It added that it believes financial services company Equiniti (which owns 75% of MyCSP) is “involved in decision-making, further muddying accountability”.
PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “Our hard-hitting strike action at MyCSP continues to be well supported by both members and the general public.
“MyCSP’s poor efforts to engage in meaningful dialogue have only strengthened our members’ resolve to have a say in decisions that directly affect their livelihoods. We will continue to fight for their fundamental right to union representation.”
Last week, the Public Accounts Committee warned that there is a “clear risk” that the firm will not be ready on time for the 1 December switch from current provider MyCSP, although Capita disputes the committee's findings.
The Cabinet Office said on 10 October that it was “confident” that the programme to transfer administration of the CSPS “remains on track for the 1st of December and beyond”.
However, CSW understands that a go/no-go decision has yet to take place.