ARC union members vote for HMRC strike
A strike of HMRC's senior managers and professionals will take place on 14 February
AN HM REVENUE & CUSTOMS STRIKE involving members of the Association of Revenue and Customs union is to take place on 14 February, over imposed quotas and new terms and conditions.
ARC, the union representing senior managers and professionals in HMRC, recently balloted members on taking action over a new performance management system demanding fixed quotas – meaning 10% of staff fall in the bottom rating regardless of their performance – and new terms and conditions resulting in those who are promoted receiving a poorer deal.
The ballot received turnout of 48%, with nearly 60% voting for strike action and 78% voting for action short of strike – such as work to rule.
ARC President Gareth Hills said: “ARC members have been asked to strike not for money, but in pursuit of some basic principles: reducing bureaucracy so we can do our jobs, a fair performance appraisal, rewarding, not penalising, promotions; and a fair deal for professionals.
“Our members are not faceless bureaucrats, but real people striving every day to serve the government and the public. The work they do builds schools, hospitals, libraries and playgrounds. It’s work that funds the social fabric of the UK and delivers for the nation. They deserve a fair performance system, one which allows them to do their job free from the tangle of bureaucracy.”
