Civil Servants Vote For Industrial Action

93% of Jersey civil servants have voted in favour of industrial action leading up to a strike.

More than half of members took part in the ballot, amid a dispute with the States overpay.

It’s the first union to release the results of a formal ballot.

JCSA Prospect Chair Terry Renouf didn’t expect such a high figure.

“To be honest, I was quite shocked as to how high it (the percentage) was.

“I knew feelings were running very high amongst members, but for civil servants to give that kind of clear indication they’re prepared to take that level of industrial action, I certainly can never remember that.”

The union says it’s still prepared to negotiate with the States Employment Board, as it says that it “doesn’t want to strike”.

A meeting between unions is expected later this week after more ballot results are released, to discuss the next steps.

“We (unions) all have disputes of varying degrees in terms of how pay negotiations or lack of for 2018 have been handled.

“There’s common themes across it, which is a total lack of respect being shown by the employer for their staff.

“We will be working with our fellow unions to ensure that whatever action has to be taken is done in an effective way.” – Terry Renouf, JCSA Prospect.

States Employment Board Chair Senator Tracey Vallois is expected to comment on the latest developments in the States tomorrow (20th November).