PCS Alliance for Change (AfC) has several important motions on the agenda for Group Conference 2024. We would urge all branches to consider supporting them.
Group Wide Campaign
We recognise that there are more issues than just pay that require action. Whilst pay needs to remain central in any campaign we need to ensure terms and conditions staffing and preventing office closures is factored into our campaigning.
We want to ensure the scandalous low pay of A-grade members is addressed. A-grade members are often expected to have a detailed understanding of our tax systems. Despite their hard work, dedication and professionalism, they are paid the minimum wage. This is an insult.
We need to ensure that the offices given temporary reprieves under the Building our Future Locations programme are given long term commitments to remain open.
We need to improve terms and conditions for all workers in HMRC. The legacy of Pay and Contract Reform (PaCR) still impacts adversely on many members, particularly in Customer Service Group (CSG). We need to address this. The two tier workforce must be challenged by our Union. (Look out for motion A29 on the conference agenda)
Group Structures
Since the formation of the Revenue & Customs Group in 2005 the group constitution remains largely unchanged. Our negotiating structures are dictated by this constitution and they are now totally out of line with how the department operates.
We want to see a GEC that delegates responsibilities rather than keeping all power to a few a the top.
We want to see a GEC where representatives are directly accountable to the membership, and more direct branch representation.
Therefore we want to see full review of the group constitution to ensure the group operates in the most effective way. (Look out for motion A32 on the conference agenda)
Hybrid working
The current requirements for members to be in the office 60% of the time flies in the face of the commitments the department signed up to under PACR. Members who voted for PACR did so in good faith, with many being adversely affected by changes to their terms and conditions. Many members report being able to work more effectively at home than in the office, and many also report that it is often difficult to find seating in the office near their colleagues. There is no evidence to suggest that workers are more productive in the office.
As a union we need to need to actively campaign against the 60/40 rule. We want to see legal challenges to the rule as we believe it breaches the PACR agreement. We also want to develop a campaign of action to counter this rule. (Look out for motion A1 on the conference agenda)
HR Policies
We are concerned with the way many HR policies are implemented, and that some do not provide staff and managers with enough information to help make the right decisions.
Amongst the issues we would like to see addressed are –
To seek a dedicated guidance on requesting flexible working in line with statutory requirements.
Seek changes to the Special Working Arrangement and Contractual homeworking policy so that both policies and any accompanying documents meet statutory requirements.
Seek improvement to HR guidance to make clear the departments duty f care towards staff, so that is factored into decision making on HR matters.
To improve harassment policies to make clear how concerns can be raised and should be handled.
To seek the introduction of wellbeing days, where staff get additional time off for members to proactively take care of their mental health. Where this has been implemented in the private sector these employers are finding that they are able to improve productivity as their employees are happier and healthier. (Look out for motion A40, A42, A57 and A78 on the conference agenda)
Collaborative Rostering
Three years after PACR members in CSG are still encountering problems with the way collaborative rostering works. We are seeing members being expected to work late when their line of work does not demand it, meanwhile members are often having to work longer than their schedule time to help clear phone lines. Members are often faced with a succession of obstacles if they need to change finish times for personal reasons.
We are committed to revisit how this is being implemented to afford members greater flexibility, ensuing no one has to stay late unnecessarily. (Look out for motion A52 and A53 on the conference agenda)
PCS Alliance for Change 