Downing Street Says » Strike action

Asked if civil servants had been informed they could bring their children to work tomorrow, the PMS said that the civil service covered many different organisations but it was his understanding that some parts had been told that they could bring their kids to work. Asked if Downing Street staff had been encouraged to bring their children to work, the PMS said he wasn’t aware of any specific messages.

Asked if there had been any attempts made by Cabinet ministers to contact union leaders, the PMS said that he wasn’t aware of any contact so he was unable to confirm either way. He added that talks were ongoing and, though some unions recognised this, it was disappointing that others had decided to strike.

Asked if the Government and PM had done enough to avert strike action, the PMS said it was important to look at where we were in the process. He added it was premature to ballot strike action when we were still having broad talks about the pension reforms rather than detailed negotiations.

Asked why the Education Secretary had suggested that parents help to keep schools open when his own local education authority had advised schools against this, the PMS said we had set out our advice but ultimately this was a decision for head teachers.

Asked for Government’s advice to air travellers, the PMS said people should check with their air carriers. He added that borders would remain open and appropriately trained staff would be in place. However, it was possible delays could occur and, therefore, it was sensible for travellers to check with their carriers.

Asked to describe the expected level of disruption to services, the PMS said there was clearly going to be some disruption tomorrow, particularly for schools, and we were disappointed that certain unions had decided to take strike action when we were still engaged in talks.

Asked who would be making the statement in the House on this issue tomorrow, the PMS said the Education Secretary would make the statement.

Asked what the distinction between talks and negotiations were, the PMS said, at present, we were having broad discussions not detailed negotiations on specific pension issues.

Asked why we hadn’t held detailed negotiations if they could have averted the strike, the PMS said many unions had decided it would be inappropriate to ballot their members for strike action at this stage. Clearly, those unions believed we were engaging with them through constructive dialogue.

Asked if we thought private companies should also allow their staff to bring their children into work, the PMS said this was a matter for the companies but clearly it would be possible for some.

Asked if all talks were being held under the auspices of the TUC, the PMS said that all unions were in the same room.

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» Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Strike action

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