Staff asked to provide strike security cover at DVLA in Swansea

By bwright

OFFICE workers at the DVLA say they were stunned after being asked if they wanted to become makeshift security guards during today's strike.

Staff at the driving agency were set to walk out for 48 hours today in a row over redundancy pay.

With security guards at the DVLA's main office in Clase among those taking industrial action, sources inside the complex say management were offering workers more pay to guard the facility.

Jeff Evans, national officer of Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), condemned the incentive. He said: "It would be a misuse of public funds if financial incentives are being put to staff to try and encourage them to cross the picket line.

"The Government should be coming back to the negotiating table. They have refused to meet with us, and therefore have left public sector workers with no choice but to take action."

Up to 20,000 civil and public servants across Wales are set to take part in the 48- hour strike on Monday and Tuesday.

The strike action — called by the PCS — involves staff from the Assembly, job centres, law courts, tax offices, driving test centres, the DVLA and the Passport Office, among others.

The PCS said changes to the civil service compensation scheme, which governs redundancy pay, would see staff "robbed" of up to a third of their entitlements.

Picket lines outside Government buildings will be set up from early today, with a rally due to start outside the Unitarian Church in the High Street, Swansea, at noon.

However, DVLA sources claim the agency has tried to "persuade" people not to take part.

One office worker, who did not want to be named, said: "Senior managers are very unhappy about the walk-out.

"One of the problems is that the security guards at the offices in Clase say they are taking part in the strike.

"So this week we were asked by the management if we wanted to go on security for a period of two hours.

"They say they need four people from each section in the DVLA to take turns in manning the front gate.

"Staff were told they would be given 25 per cent more pay for the time they were on security.

"Good security is needed at the DVLA because we had that man who sent a bomb through the post a few years back."

A spokesman for the DVLA said it took the issue of security very seriously.

A spokesman said: "The DVLA can confirm it has canvassed senior managers and their staff for volunteers planning to attend work during the industrial action to provide support for security and emergency procedures roles during next weeks action.

"These volunteers will be used to support experienced officers and senior managers ensuring the safety and security of staff who attend work during the industrial action."