EXCL Jeremy Corbyn backs parliamentary security guards in working conditions row

Emilio Casalicchio

Jeremy Corbyn has thrown his weight behind parliamentary security guards in a bitter dispute over their pay and conditions, PoliticsHome can reveal.



The Labour leader said the Palace of Westminster “must lead by example when it comes to workers’ rights” and urged his MPs to back the campaign.

Some 240-plus members of the parliamentary security staff are set to vote on whether to take industrial action after having their breaks cut and their workloads increased, according to the PCS union.

There is also a row over a former member of the team who colleagues feel was wrongly dismissed and who they want reinstated.

The PCS union - which represents the guards - also demanded an end to what it called the “culture of fear” which it argued had been created by “over-zealous” management.

Mr Corbyn last night signed an Early Day Motion backing the personnel and it is understood that he will email the Parliamentary Labour Party urging them to do the same.

He told PoliticsHome: “All security guards working in the Palace of Westminster should have the same working conditions and the same rights.

“I pay tribute to the hardworking staff who are essential to the functioning of Parliament and help to keep thousands of people who work in and visit the Palace of Westminster safe every day.

“We must lead by example when it comes to workers' rights, and I will be encouraging Labour Members of Parliament, and Members of Parliament from across all parties, to support the security guards in seeking what is right and fair.”

'ESSENTIAL TO DEMOCRACY'

Green MP Caroline Lucas tabled the Early Day Motion last month backing the security guards, which has so far been signed by 49 MPs including Mr Corbyn.

It calls on the Director of Security for Parliament to “look again at this matter” and urged the parliamentary authorities to “lead by example when it comes to the employment of security staff”.

If the security guards vote in favour of a strike it could see the first day of industrial action take place on 20 March, potentially throwing Parliament into chaos. The ballot will open on 13 February and close on 1 March.

A spokesperson from Parliament told PoliticsHome: “Parliamentary staff are essential to the functioning of democracy and we are keen to engage constructively with security staff and unions to resolve any issues.

“The security of the Estate and normal functioning of Parliamentary business will be maintained at all times.”

'CULTURE OF FEAR'

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “The Palace of Westminster needs to pay serious attention to the demands of a key part of the parliamentary workforce.

“Hardworking staff are only asking for what is fair and just. They are not prepared to put up with a culture of fear.

“We urge management to meet with our representatives as a matter of urgency and settle this dispute.”