Government contractors working across Whitehall have voted to accept pay, terms and conditions improvements, putting an end to long-running disputes between PCS and outsourcing firms.
Security guards, cleaners, porters, receptionists, caterers, maintenance engineers and post room staff employed by outsourcing firms OCS, G4S and ISS have backed offers made by the firms in ballots held by civil service union PCS.
The deals will see the staff, who work in Government Property Agency buildings, get a pay increase and “significantly improved” terms and conditions, including company sick pay from day one of absence, an increase in annual leave entitlement, full maternity and paternity pay and paid bereavement leave, PCS said.
The offers follow many months of industrial action by outsourced staff. PCS paused industrial action in March after contractor firms offered to engage with the union nationally on dispute resolution.
The union described the pay and benefits package as the “first of its kind” for outsourced facilities management contracts in the civil service, and said this “now unlocks talks with the government on our national objectives of pay coherence and insourcing”.
Fran Heathcote said: “Solidarity to every single member who has taken part in action over recent months in the fight for fair pay, terms and conditions. We have been proud to stand in full solidarity with all striking members.
“Their determined action has now forced major concessions on pay, terms and conditions. They have shown that there is real power in a union by standing strong and united in the face of hostility.
“In full support of their action, I have initiated a national process to engage in talks with some of the most senior government officials to deliver further improvements on our pay coherence and insourcing agenda.”