PCS union reps in the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Group are currently gearing up for an industrial action ballot in the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), the civil service body that is responsible for making subsidy payments to farmers. The RPA is based at several large offices in Exeter, Reading, Northallerton, Newcastle, Workington and Carlisle.

Members are angry that they are having a flawed reporting system imposed on them without agreement of their union.

While the old system was far from perfect it was a result of negotiation and agreement by management and unions. The ‘new’ system, boiled down, makes it easier to sack those whose faces don’t fit. A set of highly subjective ‘behaviours’ have been introduced as extra criteria in ‘judging’ performance. There is no procedure to dispute your manager’s assertions other than taking out a grievance. Senior management in an admission that it is unfinished are saying that it can all be worked out and reviewed as they go along!

This is another example of how terms and conditions are being pared back to the ACAS minimum standards, designed as a starting point for employers. RPA seem to be intent on pushing through a raft of changes to terms and conditions without the time or consideration required. This seems to be a common feature across Efra and many other government departments. Private sector or short-term appointees are brought in to do a hatchet job and PCS reps spend what little time they have to seek changes reminding them that the government are supposed to be the exemplars, setting the standards for employers in the private sector.

Union negotiators have fought hard for members in the talks in an attempt to avoid a dispute but have now had to refer it to PCS’ Group Executive in order that the necessary steps can be taken. Members meetings in recent weeks followed by a motion carried unanimously at the Group’s annual conference have been instructive, showing a willingness to fight back.

An initial campaign of non-cooperation with the system amongst managers and staff alike is the aim of the ballot. Hopefully the ballot alone will be enough to send a strong message to senior management that PCS members will not be walked over, on this or any other issue.

Whatever happens, the key factor will be the leadership provided by reps at all levels and there will need to be constant communication with the membership. The balloting period will provide an opportunity for all reps to get out amongst members. Members will feel their strength in being organised and standing together in the face of any attacks made by senior management.

The restriction placed on us, not just by the Tories’ anti-union legislation but also by the bureaucracy of the union, are factors which are there to be overcome. It is members’ willingness to take action that will in the end win the day.