Public and Commercial Services Union: Strike Action

Debate between Baroness Fookes and Lord Henley

Tuesday 24th July 2012 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Fookes]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the Public and Commercial Services Union about the proposed strike on the day before the opening of the 2012 Olympic Games.

[The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Henley)]

My Lords, the Public and Commercial Services Union’s decision to call this strike on the eve of the Games is opportunistic and wholly unjustified. The Home Secretary has written to the PCS to express her concern and to make it clear that Her Majesty’s Government are totally opposed to the strike.

[Baroness Fookes]

Is it correct that only 21% of the union members balloted actually voted at all and that only a very small majority of those who did vote voted in favour? In those circumstances, and given that lukewarm support, is there any responsible person in this country who supports this squalid little exercise that threatens the good name of this country?