MyCSP strikers in Liverpool marked the start of their 13th week of action with a “megapicket” supported by general secretaries and MPs.
Supporters from across the union movement came along to support the picketers outside the Civil Service Pension Scheme administrator's office in the city yesterday.
Strikes began in June in a dispute over MyCSP management’s refusal to allow PCS to represent employees ahead of their planned TUPE transfer to Capita, which is taking over the contract to administer the CSPS in December.
Addressing the picket line, PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “It’s week 13 now and we really need the employer now to get round the table.
“The show of strength and determination that you are all showing is all going to help. The NEC is completely behind you and we will support you for as long as it takes.”
Heathcote added that she was “really proud today that we’ve got people along to show you solidarity because all of this is about us sticking up for each other, standing together and making sure that we win”.
One of those supporters was Paul Nowak, the TUC general secretary. In a message aimed at MyCSP, he said: “It is time to do right by PCS members, acknowledge and recognise PCS as the trade union for MyCSP.”
He added: “We are committed as the TUC, both regionally and nationally, to do whatever we can to support PCS in this dispute, having a union voice. Having union recognition is an absolute fundamental right and we’re going to stand by your side until you get it.”
University and College Union general secretary Jo Grady also voiced her support. She told the strikers: “Standing together and ensuring that you are seen to back each other in front of your employer is so important.”
Referring to UCU’s successful pensions dispute, which involved members taking action for nearly three years, she added: “We have been where you are, and we have won disputes. You’ve got to be committed for the long haul and when you are, you can win.”
MPs from the PCS parliamentary group, including local MPs Ian Byrne and Kim Johnson and the group’s chair, John McDonnell, also joined the "'megapicket" to show support for the MyCSP staff.
McDonell told picketers: “The PCS parliamentary group is 100% behind you and with you all the way.”
Byrne told members that he knew how difficult it was being out on strike as he remembered striking for six months. He said,:“It’s hard work but you’ve got to keep going. Union recognition is a fundamental human right.”
Johnson added that the strikers will need "stick together" to show MyCSP "that you are strong and that you will keep going until they do the right thing and they recognise the trade union".
PCS said local rep Gary Wheeler got the biggest applause of the morning for his “tireless work to keep the campaign going”.
Wheeler said: “The people who are watching are being inspired by what we’re doing. Each week we’re getting stronger and bigger… it’s a proper inspiration.”
As well as providing words of encouragement, TUC north west provided the picketers with tea and coffee with funds raised through their Solidarity Hub. They had raised over £700 for the strikers just one day after launching the action.