Met Police Staff Vote to Strike over Office Return

The Metropolitan Police Staff voted to strike over plans that would force them to return to work for 3 to 5 days per week.

This new policy requires that employees attend their workplace between 60% and 100% depending on where they are located, affects around 2,400 workers.

Members voted overwhelmingly in favor of industrial action yesterday. 85% said yes to strike action.

The PCS union that represents the Met Police workers said this was the very first time they had ever taken industrial action.

The report said that the results of this vote demonstrated the “depth” of feelings of employees and accused managers for reversing an existing blended working arrangement that allowed part-time work from home. It also claimed that the decision would have a disproportionate impact on women, part-time staff, and people with disabilities.

PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote stated: “Our members do not work as bobbies. These are civilians working from home, who can be just as productive as they would in an office. They also avoid the cost and stress of daily commutes.

It’s time for politicians and right-wing media to stop their obsession of telling people where to work. They should start listening to evidence from academics, employers and workers that working from home is an option many people can afford.

The Met Police, however, expressed their disappointment at the union’s decision. They noted that PCS included staff that worked on the frontline including officers who work in the police community support unit and scene of crime units.

A spokesperson stated: “We understand this will raise concerns about our ability serve London but we want the public to know we have contingencies to keep them safe.”

“Our policy does not end with working from home. We have allowed staff and officers who are in support roles to work up to two days per week from home. Our plans will ensure consistency throughout the Met, and that we can provide for our communities.

The threshold for strike action is met but it does not have to be carried out. We urge both our staff and the trade union to refrain from further action.

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