Thousands of civilian staff working for London's Metropolitan Police are set to walk out this week in an escalating dispute over pay and allowances, raising concerns about potential impacts on public safety.
Strike Action Details and Demands
The Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) has confirmed that approximately 6,500 of its members will take strike action on Thursday. This follows a previous walkout held in November. The central issue is a demand for a £1,250 London allowance, a payment currently received by their police officer colleagues but not by civilian staff.
In a separate but related pay dispute, around 130 PCS members employed by the London Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) will also strike. Their industrial action is scheduled to run from Monday through to Thursday.
Both groups plan to hold a joint rally outside City Hall on Thursday to amplify their demands.
Union and Police Statements
PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote stated that the employers in both disputes have the financial capacity to meet the workers' demands. "These strikes will demonstrate yet again that these union members are as committed to justice in the workplace as they are to serving justice and the public through their jobs," Heathcote said.
The Metropolitan Police responded by emphasising the "fundamental differences" between the roles and responsibilities of officers and civilian staff, which they say is reflected in differing pay structures. A spokesperson highlighted the force's significant financial pressures, citing a £260 million budget gap.
"In a shrinking Met with a £260 million budget gap, we cannot justify spending millions to give staff the £1,250 award, as they don’t face the same recruitment and retention challenges as officers," the spokesperson explained. The Met stated it has made a "reasonable alternative offer" and remains open to negotiations.
Potential Impact on Public Services
The police service has warned that the strike action could affect key public-facing services. They specifically mentioned that insufficient resource in 999 call centres and custody suites could put the public at risk.
To mitigate the impact, the Met has developed contingency plans that involve backfilling critical civilian roles with police officers. "This means taking them out of their usual roles so we can continue core services to protect communities across London who rely on us," the spokesperson added. This redeployment, however, will inevitably pull officers away from their regular frontline duties.
The dispute underscores ongoing tensions over pay and recognition within the UK's largest police force, set against a backdrop of stringent budgetary constraints.
