Security officers at the Palace of Westminster – the people who help keep Britain’s parliament safe – are planning to walk out this month in protest over pay and working conditions.
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union announced on Tuesday that its members will strike on September 3 and 10, saying staff have been left with no choice after ongoing talks failed to deliver improvements to pay, annual leave, and general working conditions.
The dispute comes just a year after Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government came to power, vowing to bring an end to widespread strikes that disrupted daily life under the previous government. While the wave of industrial action had eased, frustration has returned this summer as the cost of living continues to climb. Inflation hit 3.8% in July, the highest level in a year and a half.
Strikes have already spread across different sectors: junior doctors in England staged a five-day walkout in July, and London’s Tube network faces further disruption with upcoming strikes.
In response to the security staff’s decision, a parliamentary spokesperson said contingency plans were in place with the Metropolitan Police to keep parliament secure and running smoothly.
“The decision to strike is disappointing,” the spokesperson added. “We’ve been in ongoing discussions for months and remain committed to working with staff to resolve concerns.” Photo by Edward Orde, Wikimedia commons.