UK parliament security staff set to strike over pay, working conditions

Hundreds of security personnel at the UK Parliament will stage a two-day strike this month in a dispute over pay and working conditions, their union announced on September 2.

The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union confirmed that members will walk out on September 3 and 10 at the Palace of Westminster, citing grievances including pay and annual leave, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government, elected last year, had pledged to bring an end to a wave of strikes that disrupted schools, hospitals and rail services across 2023 and 2024.

However, industrial action has resurfaced this summer against a backdrop of high inflation, which rose to 3.8% in July — the highest in 18 months.

Resident doctors in England undertook a five-day strike in July, while London’s Underground network faces renewed disruption from walkouts next week.

A parliamentary spokesperson said the authorities were coordinating with the Metropolitan Police to ensure safety and minimise disruption during the industrial action.

“The decision to proceed with strike action is a disappointing outcome, following months of continued engagement to try to resolve outstanding concerns,” the spokesperson said, stressing parliament’s commitment to working with staff to seek a resolution.

By Aghakazim Guliyev