12 January 2007
A likely national strike by civil servants could spill over into the local government arena, with Whitehall's largest trade union this week threatening to disrupt May's local elections.
The Public and Commercial Services union, which has balloted 280,000 members over walkouts in response to central government job cuts, has threatened to undermine candidates supporting Whitehall's reform plans.
The attempt to influence the May vote is one of many forms of action that could follow the PCS's likely strike on January 31.
The union's formal ballot results will be announced on January 23. But PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka has already threatened a campaign of 'innovative' industrial action beyond the planned strike date.
Serwotka told Public Finance: 'We're a politically unaffiliated union, but will be encouraging our members not to back candidates for May's elections unless they address public servants' concerns locally.'
Serwotka believes that PCS members could swing the vote in some marginal council seats – particularly where civil service job cuts have already taken place or are planned.
The PCS has opposed ministers' plans to axe around 100,000 civil service posts by 2011. Up to 45,000 jobs have already been cut, and the union says this has affected services.
Although the PCS is considered a 'Whitehall' union, it is widely represented in local Jobcentre Plus offices, as well as Pension Service sites.
About 60% of councillors' seats will be up for election in May, including all district council wards.
PFjan2007
