PCS union reps in the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
(Efra) Group are currently gearing up for an industrial action ballot in the
Rural Payments Agency (RPA), the civil service body that is responsible for
making subsidy payments to farmers. The RPA is based at several large offices
in Exeter, Reading, Northallerton, Newcastle, Workington and Carlisle.
Members are angry that they are having a flawed reporting system
imposed on them without agreement of their union.
While the old system was far from perfect it was a result of
negotiation and agreement by management and unions. The ‘new’ system, boiled
down, makes it easier to sack those whose faces don’t fit. A set of highly
subjective ‘behaviours’ have been introduced as extra criteria in ‘judging’
performance. There is no procedure to dispute your manager’s assertions other
than taking out a grievance. Senior management in an admission that it is
unfinished are saying that it can all be worked out and reviewed as they go
along!
This is another example of how terms and conditions are
being pared back to the ACAS minimum standards, designed as a starting point
for employers. RPA seem to be intent on pushing through a raft of changes to
terms and conditions without the time or consideration required. This seems to
be a common feature across Efra and many other government departments. Private
sector or short-term appointees are brought in to do a hatchet job and PCS reps
spend what little time they have to seek changes reminding them that the
government are supposed to be the exemplars, setting the standards for
employers in the private sector.
Union negotiators have fought hard for members in the talks in
an attempt to avoid a dispute but have now had to refer it to PCS’ Group
Executive in order that the necessary steps can be taken. Members meetings in
recent weeks followed by a motion carried unanimously at the Group’s annual
conference have been instructive, showing a willingness to fight back.
An initial campaign of non-cooperation with the system
amongst managers and staff alike is the aim of the ballot. Hopefully the ballot
alone will be enough to send a strong message to senior management that PCS
members will not be walked over, on this or any other issue.
Whatever happens, the key factor will be the leadership
provided by reps at all levels and there will need to be constant communication
with the membership. The balloting period will provide an opportunity for all
reps to get out amongst members. Members will feel their strength in being organised
and standing together in the face of any attacks made by senior management.
The restriction placed on us, not just by the Tories’
anti-union legislation but also by the bureaucracy of the union, are factors
which are there to be overcome. It is members’ willingness to take action that
will in the end win the day.
