A UNION is balloting Police Community Support Officers over potential strike action.
It comes after a dispute over a proposal to change working patterns at Staffordshire Police and the introduction of additional duties such as routine statement-taking.
UNISON said 160 PCSOs would be balloted from tomorrow (23rd April) ahead of potential industrial action.
The union’s West Midlands regional organiser Ashley Morley said:
“These proposals go beyond changes to working patterns. They undermine the very foundation of neighbourhood policing.
“PCSOs are the frontline staff that keep communities feeling safe. Reducing that visibility at crucial times could compromise public safety and public confidence.
“This plan threatens PCSOs’ pay and conditions and are being pushed through with minimal consultation. The changes are so significant that dedicated PSCOs are now considering strikes.
“This marks an unprecedented step for support officers in the West Midlands. Staffordshire Police must pause these ill-advised changes and begin talks to resolve the dispute.”
The strike ballot will continue until 15th May.
