House of Commons Security (PCS) Strike Calendar
Strike Type: GOV
Latest House of Commons Security Industrial Action Updates (5)
Security staff members employed at the Palace of Westminster have recently concluded a ballot regarding potential further strike action.
The dispute centers on issues including the reduction of annual leave, modifications to shift patterns and breaks, stagnant wages, and an increasing disparity in pay based on ethnicity.
Previous industrial action, including strikes and actions short of a strike such as an overtime ban, occurred in September, November, and December of 2025.
The recent ballot was a re-ballot intended to extend the mandate for industrial action.
A substantial majority of those who participated in the voting were in favor of both strike action and action short of a strike.
The union plans to continue discussions with the employer in hopes of resolving the ongoing disagreement.
The overwhelming support shown for further industrial action is expected to enhance the union's standing in ongoing negotiations.
The goal remains to achieve a fair resolution that acknowledges the workers' consistent dedication and high standards.
Security staff members at the Palace of Westminster voted overwhelmingly in favor of strike action and action short of a strike last summer.
The central issues of the dispute include reductions in annual leave, alterations to work schedules and break times, stagnant wages, and an increasing disparity in pay based on ethnicity.
Industrial action, including strikes and measures such as an overtime ban and working strictly to contract, occurred in September, November, and December.
While some progress has been noted in discussions, the proposals presented thus far have been deemed insufficient.
The initial authorization for strike action expired at the end of January, necessitating a new ballot period scheduled from February 19th to March 12th.
A new position, “perimeter officer,” has been introduced at a higher pay grade than existing security roles, despite minimal functional differences.
This new role has generated concern that it aims to create divisions among security personnel and potentially be utilized to cover for striking employees.
Westminster security guards have won their long-running dispute in the House of Commons after bosses scrapped controversial plans to introduce a new shift pattern.
Westminster security guards have won their long-running dispute in the House of Commons after bosses scrapped controversial plans to introduce a new shift pattern.
A strike by House of Commons security guards planned to take place on 31 October and 1 November and 6 and 7 November has been suspended.
Management have withdrawn their proposal to introduce an imposed roster, due to begin on 1 November, which would have seen our members work extra night shifts. PCS and management will now enter negotiations to seek to create a revised roster that members can accept. These discussions will continue until 31 January 2024.
PCS members being forced to work extra night shifts are to strike for 2 days having voted overwhelmingly for strike action after being told to work extra night shifts to cover for a lack of staff.
The more than 250 PCS members, who work across the Palace of Westminster, will strike from 7pm on 31 October to 7pm on 1 November and from 7pm on 6 November to 7pm on 7 November. Additionally, there will be an overtime ban beginning on 28 October and taking place every Monday and Wednesday, with two additional days of Sunday 5 and Tuesday 7 November.
These dates are built around the potential start date of the imposed roster on 1 November and the state opening of parliament.
House of Commons Security Strike Calendar
0 Strike Date 0 Planned