The following is a request from PCS DWP Group: 

PCS members in the National Gallery are taking action over the threat of privatisation and the victimisation of the lead PCS rep, Candy Udwin, who was sacked for asking questions about the privatisation process. Members in the National Gallery will have taken a total of 44 days of action since the start of the campaign earlier this year.

The solidarity shown by our members in the National Gallery, and the support they have received from across the union, has already forced the employer to give significant concessions on the Living Wage, has forced a debate about privatisation in to all the mainstream media and prompted a debate in Parliament on 25th June 2015.

Last week PCS were successful in arguing for interim relief for Candy Udwin at an Employment Tribunal, a significant step towards successfully challenging the legality of Candy’s dismissal.

PCS has drawn up proposals which will be submitted to the employer and through ACAS which we believe provide workable and affordable alternatives to the wholesale privatisation of our members’ jobs and the public service they provide.

Week commencing 13th July 2015

PCS members from all branches are asked to support our members in the National Gallery by doing something practical but crucial for the success of this campaign.

The week commencing 13 July will be national collection week for the National Gallery dispute.

During the week all members in all workplaces and ask members to make a small donation to the campaign. The more funds we can generate from donations the longer we can sustain the action and continue to apply pressure on the National gallery to reach a settlement.

Any donations should be be sent to the National Organising Department, National Gallery Collection, PCS, 160 Falcon Road, London SW11 2LN; or donations can be paid directly into the dispute fund account no 20045841 sort code 08-60-01 quoting reference ‘NG Collection’.

• Please visit the PCS webpages and sign the petition demanding Candy’s re-instatement and the end to the threat of privatisation
• Visit National Gallery picket lines and send messages of solidarity to organising@pcs.org.uk
• Sign up to make a regular donation to the PCS Fighting Fund to support members whose action could exert significant pressure on the government to enter into national negotiations over the key issues which affect our members at http://www.pcs.org.uk/fightingfund.

Please make every effort to support our members in the National Gallery demanding an end to victimisation and privatisation.
Do not support this campaign from your work computer