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From The Socialist newspaper, 13 February 2008
Land Registry staff vote for action
Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) members in Land Registry, the government department responsible for keeping a record of land ownership in England and Wales, have voted overwhelmingly in a consultation ballot to reject a below-inflation pay rise. It amounts to 2% for many members.
On a 61% turnout, the union's recommendations to reject the offer were supported by between 80% and 91% of voting members on the different ballot questions. The inclusion of a divisive allowance for team leaders (funded out of the pay pot) was rejected and a demand made for payment of additional money left in the pay pot from 2006.
The PCS Land Registry group executive will now approach national PCS for authority to ballot all members for both strike action and action short of strike, co-ordinating this where possible with other areas of PCS and other public-sector unions.
PCS members and public-sector workers in general, are often presented as the cause of inflation by New Labour when, in reality, they are actually the victims of inflation. This attitude has led to unprecedented anger and willingness to take action amongst rank and file members and activists alike. There is now a belief amongst members that a well-organised, united and determined campaign can win improvements from Land Registry management.
A PCS member
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In The Socialist 13 February 2008:
Local Government workers
Birmingham council workers' biggest strike for decades
'Single status' in the West Midlands
Bosses prepare to force through more cuts
Newham workers angry at councillors
Socialist Students
Feature: The great university swindle
War and terrorism
Socialist Party news and analysis
Millionaire welcomes economic recession!
Liverpool's tale of two cities
Cardiff marches to save schools
100 people pack London world economy meeting
Transport
Cuts and backlogs cause delays
International socialist news and analysis
Polish miners gain strike victory due to iron determination
Chad conflict - part of a wider power struggle
Interview
Prison officers: Fighting for trade union rights
Building the Campaign for a New Workers' Party
Comment
Comment: Opportunist blunder further splits Church of England
Workplace news and analysis
Land Registry staff vote for action
London Underground: Strike ballot in safety row
Campaign Against Climate Change trade union conference
Shelter staff ballot for action
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