Indefinite strike at Benefits Agency

Open plan working is not safe says the PCS union

Staff at the Bridgend Benefits Agency and Jobcentre are due to begin strike action against new working practices which will leave them without the protection of glass screens.

More than 120 members of the Public and Commercial Services Union are expected to take part in the indefinite action on Monday, which is aimed at overturning the decision.

The PCS union said that the industrial action was being taken over "very real fears" that its members could be put at risk without adequate protection.

in the case of a very small minority, there is always the risk of a hostile reaction

Richard Bould, area secretary PCS union

The strike action coincides with the launch of the Job Centre Plus Pathfinder scheme in the town.

Union members will picket the Bridgend offices and they claim to have the support of Janet Davies AM and Hywel Williams, MP for Caernarfon.

Carwyn Jones, AM for Bridgend, is expected to visit the picket line in Angel Street on Monday.

PCS area secretary Richard Bould said staff should not be placed at risk of harm dealing with customers in an open plan environment.

'Protect safety'

"No-one wants to have screens. However, because of the every day fear of violence and intimidation our members face they are a necessary fact of life," said Mr Bould.

"Most benefit claimants pose no risk at all to staff, but in the case of a very small minority, there is always the risk of a hostile reaction."

Mr Bould said the Bridgend office had the highest reported number of such incidents in Wales.

"Members do not like having to take strike action, but this is a case of protecting our basic health and safety standards."