Three-quarters of Ofwat staff vote to strike

(by Karma Loveday)

Almost three-quarters (74%) of Ofwat staff that are members of the PCS union and took part in a ballot on industrial action have voted to go on strike. Turnout was 89%, and an even larger majority (91%) voted in favour of action short of strike.

PCS said it will now write to Ofwat and ministers to demand urgent assurances about members’ employment and working conditions. If these assurances are not provided, it will implement a programme of strike action and action short of strike in line with members’ demands.

The problem stems from a lack of clarity from the Government about whether current Ofwat staff will retain their jobs, pay, and terms and conditions under the reformed regulatory system.

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “Our water system is in crisis. The challenges facing our water supply and sewerage systems have never been greater, and strong regulation must be a major part of the solution. Our members agree with the Government that reform is needed.

“That’s why the increasing drift and delay to the water reform programme over the past 14 months is so concerning. Our members at Ofwat do vital work holding private water companies to account and keeping the system going. Yet, despite the scale and urgency of the crisis, they still don’t know whether they will have a job in the new regulator, or whether they will retain their civil service status.

“This overwhelming ballot result sends a clear message: ministers need to step in urgently and tell their department to give our members the basic assurances they should have received months ago. If they do not, then they will cause a period of industrial action that will significantly impact their future ambitions.”