LONDON (Reuters) -Security guards at Britain’s House of Commons who work across the Palace of Westminster have voted for strike action, their union said on Monday.
“For our members on shift work, their rosters are just as important as pay,” Public and Commercial Services (PCS) general secretary Mark Serwotka said in a statement.
“They are angry their department is permanently understaffed, the rosters were imposed, and that their work/life balance appears to be of little or no consequence to their managers.”
The union said more than 250 of its members voted for strike action, marking 94.63% on a 79.23% turnout. It said strike dates would be announced later this month.
Responding to the result, a parliament spokesperson said: “Parliamentary security staff are valued colleagues, and we deeply regret the decision to proceed with industrial action. We remain committed to resolving outstanding concerns.
“As always, the safety and security of all members of the Parliamentary community, as well as those that visit Parliament, remains our absolute priority. Working closely with the Met Police, we will ensure both the safety of the Estate as usual and no disruption to parliamentary business.”
(Reporting by Farouq Suleiman; Editing by Kate Holton and William James)