Strike Action At Portsmouth Navy Base

17 June 2013, 07:15 | Updated: 17 June 2013, 07:59

Portsmouth Navy Base workers are joining thousands on strike in a long-running dispute over jobs, pay and working conditions.

The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union said its members across several Government departments and agencies will walk out for half a day in the latest phase of industrial action which has been affecting the civil service for months.

The union has launched a three-month campaign in protest at cuts to jobs, pay and pensions as well as changes to working conditions.

Thousands of workers in magistrates and crown courts, tribunals, the Ministry of Defence and Forestry Commission are involved across the country.

The MoD strike will include civilian staff who work alongside military colleagues at sites including the navy bases at Portsmouth and Faslane, RAF Cosford and Abbey Wood in Bristol - one of the largest civil service sites in the UK. Cleaners and security staff in courts will also take strike action today over pay.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said:

"These workers provide essential services and support across our justice system and in defence, and they deserve better than being treated with contempt by a Tory-led government that is refusing to even talk to us about the cuts it is imposing.

"The joint protest in Manchester is a great example of different groups coming together in solidarity to fight for a shared cause and we would like to see more of this happening across the country."