The Public and Commercial Services Union announced that over 100,000 civil servants chose to strike over salary and working conditions.
The threshold for strike action has been reached in 126 occupations, ranging from border patrol agents to driving test examiners.
The PCS demands a 10% salary increase, improved pensions, job stability, and no reductions in redundancy terms.
PCS stated that details will be announced on November 18 if there are no “substantive” government proposals.
Mark Serwotka, general secretary of the PCS, said in a statement, “Our members have spoken, and if the government does not listen to them, we will have no choice but to undertake a prolonged program of industrial action affecting every aspect of public life.”
The civil service aids in the development and implementation of government policy, in addition to delivering services to the people of the United Kingdom, such as jail administration, employment services, and the payment of benefits and pensions.
Mr. Serwotka stated that the cost-of-living crises, job losses, and office closures had caused workers to “hit their breaking point.”
The administration stated that it regretted the decision and that it remained in “frequent dialogue with unions and workers” in addition to having procedures in place to minimize potential disruptions if the strikes proceed.
A spokeswoman explained, “The public sector pay awards strike a careful balance between giving value for money to taxpayers and recognizing the importance of public sector workers.”
The PCS, which represents employees of many British government agencies, reported that an average of 86.2% of its balloted members voted in favor of industrial action, the highest percentage in the union’s history.
It follows the government’s announcement of plans to slash 91,000 public servant positions and proposals to reduce redundancy pay by an estimated 25.9%.
In recent months, several unions have voted for industrial action, disrupting areas such as transportation and the legal profession.
In an ongoing disagreement over salary, the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF) union stated Thursday that train drivers for 12 British operators will go on strike on November 26.
The largest teaching union in Scotland stated Thursday that teachers there have also chosen to strike.
It follows a declaration by the Royal College of Nursing on Wednesday that nurses had decided to strike over salary, marking the first time in the RCN’s 106-year history that members have taken strike action across the entire United Kingdom.
Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, stated that he opposes industrial action but understands “why people are pursuing that route.”
Sir Keir asserted that a Labour government will “resolve” problems with NHS pay and staffing, pledging that “the cavalry is coming.”
