News

Capgemini staff on HMRC contract begin campaign of action



800 PCS members inside Capgemini (the main contractor on the £750M pa HMRC Aspire contract) begin action on 5th June in support of a claim for a fair pay rise, a transparent pay system and trade union recognition.



The action has been called following the breakdown of talks, and a ballot showing 70% majority in favour of action short of strike. PCS representatives plan to meet throughout the dispute to discuss escalating the action.



The target for action will be the withdrawal of goodwill, a work to rule, and an instruction to members to no longer co-operate with requests for unpaid overtime. Taken alongside the industrial action by PCS members inside HMRC this represents a considerable threat to delivery.



The union maintain that despite the Recession the account remains profitable, and it is opportunistic for the company to deny pay awards for up 25% of staff.



Those staff covered by PCS negotiations hold significant pay leads over younger, local staff and the union believes the company is trying to avoid paying the proper rate for the job to new recruits.



Negotiations with the company are hampered by the lack of transparency in the pay process, and the desire from the company to avoid sharing data with PCS relating to the non-recognised staff.



PCS Capgemini rep Chris Morrison states; “Our members only consider action as an absolute last resort, but this year nearly 25% of our members are being forced to accept a pay freeze and we fear that next year it could be up to 50%. This is all taking place on a massively profitable contract that requires the goodwill of skilled and experienced workers.”



For further details contact:



Caroline Turner, PCS industrial officer, Telephone: 07541235787

Chris Morrison, PCS Capgemini and National Executive: 07891-153380