Hundreds of House of Commons security guards have voted for strike action in a move that could cause queues for MPs, staff and visitors and disruption for parliament.
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), a trade union for civil servants and public sector contractors, said more than 250 guards who provide security at the Palace of Westminster took part in the ballot, with 95% in favour on a 79% turnout.
They backed the action in protest at being asked to work extra night shifts to cover for a lack of staff, amid wider discontent about their treatment.
The PCS said a strike would lead to restricted access to the Houses of Parliament, potentially resulting in long queues for MPs, staff and visitors.
Mark Serwotka, the general secretary of the PCS, said: “For our members on shift work, their rosters are just as important as pay. They are angry their department is permanently understaffed, the rosters were imposed and that their work-life balance appears to be of little or no consequence to their managers.
“The way they have been poorly treated by their managers in recent times has contributed to the turnout and the result of the ballot: members in the past have had their seats taken away, meaning they have to stand, often for 12-hour shifts, wearing heavy security clothing.
“They see staff leaving or going on long-term sick and the burden of service delivery falls upon those who remain. The new rosters do not alleviate the burden. No wonder they are telling management: ‘Enough is enough.’”
A UK parliament spokesperson said: “Parliamentary security staff are valued colleagues and we deeply regret the decision to proceed with industrial action. We remain committed to resolving outstanding concerns.
“As always, the safety and security of all members of the parliamentary community, as well as those that visit parliament, remains our absolute priority. Working closely with the Met police, we will ensure both the safety of the estate as usual and no disruption to parliamentary business.”
