More than 150 front-line police workers in the Midlands are being balloted on strike action from today, Thursday, April 23, in a dispute over shift changes and additional duties.
Strike Ballot Details
A total of 160 police community support officers (PCSOs) in Staffordshire will vote on whether to authorize strike action over imposed changes to their working conditions, which Unison claims could pose a risk to public safety. The ballot will run until May 15.
Dispute Over Working Patterns
The dispute centers on proposals to alter working patterns, including reduced evening and weekend staffing, and the introduction of extra duties such as routine statement-taking. Unison argues that these changes risk reducing the visibility of PCSOs at key times, undermining the core principle of neighbourhood policing.
Unison West Midlands regional organiser Ashley Morley said: “These proposals go beyond changes to working patterns. They undermine the very foundation of neighbourhood policing. PCSOs are the frontline staff that keep communities feeling safe. Reducing that visibility at crucial times could compromise public safety and public confidence.”
Union Concerns
Morley added that the plan threatens PCSOs’ pay and conditions and is being pushed through with minimal consultation. “The changes are so significant that dedicated PCSOs are now considering strikes. This marks an unprecedented step for support officers in the West Midlands. Staffordshire Police must pause these ill-advised changes and begin talks to resolve the dispute.”
Police Response
A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said the force had reviewed its patrol strategy to ensure a visible policing presence in key areas at key times throughout the day and evening. They noted that this approach had allowed the force to deliver 16,000 hours of high-visibility patrols and make an additional 536 arrests in the past 12 months. “Our priority is to support PCSOs during this process and to continue to deliver effective policing to support local communities,” the spokesperson added.
