Equalities and Human Rights staff on strike this Thursday, 23rd February

The Equality & Human Rights Commission (EHRC) PCS National Branch have called another half day strike on the morning of Thursday 23rd February. The strike is the latest in a 10-month campaign against the near dismantling of the commission and the resultant reduction in headcount from over 400 staff to as low as 150.
PCS members at the EHRC will stage a half-day strike against job cuts, closures and privatisation.
Three short strikes were held last summer, but subsequent talks proved fruitless, and last week we were told to expect deeper and faster cuts resulting in even more job losses and outsourcing this year.
The EHRC Chair, Trevor Phillips, has been promoting his 'vision' for a equality body which no longer delivers any public services since early 2010. A 72% jobs cut (compared with 2007) means that over 200 experienced regional, casework and advice staff will face the scrapheap, whilst the Commission continues to retain highly paid management consultants to implement the Chair's change programme.
Our members believe that no more tax payers money should be wasted on another costly restructuring exercise; every penny of our budget should now be spent helping the victims of discrimination and promoting a culture where all are equal and the human rights of all are respected.
There will be picket lines at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday 23 February until noon, in the midlands there will be a picket in Birmingham outside Lancaster House, 67 Newhall Street.
PCS would be grateful if you could bring this dispute to the attention of your local Branches, especially those who may be able to arrange solidarity visits to picket lines.
further information can be obtained from Andrew Lloyd, PCS Regional Secretary on 0121 643 4342, or email ANDREWL@pcs.org.uk
Thanks for your support

Equalities and Human Rights staff take action

Employees at the Equalities and Human Rights Commission took strike action today against proposals to cut funding by 68% and staffing by 66%. Workers at the Birmingham office and call centre took to the streets to make their point. Boosted by support from the public and passing motorists workers commited to fighting cuts which will mean closing the public helpline which advises people of their rights and will mena the closure of regional offices.
One worker on the picket line said, "It is not just about our jobs, it is about support for the public at a time when they are facing discrimination and are having a really hard time. The services we provide may not get headlines but are invaluable to the thousands of people who rely on the EHRC for justice."
You can show your support for EHRC staff and the work thye do by signing the online petition at: gopetition.com/petition/43944.html
Alternatively sign up to the Facebook page, "Save the Equality and Human Rights Commission" or email your MP and Trevor Phillips via the PCS website at: www.pcs.org.uk/ehrc