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Workers at the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) office in Newcastle are set to commence an eight-week strike on Monday.
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) announced the strike to support three colleagues it claims were unfairly dismissed.
A picket line is planned outside HMRC’s Benton Park offices, according to the union.
In response, an HMRC spokesperson stated: “We have robust plans in place to ensure we continue delivering critical services for our customers during any industrial action.”
Union’s Stance
PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote expressed solidarity with the dismissed workers, saying: “An injury to one is an injury to all, and we’re not going to sit back and allow this injustice to go unchallenged.
“We believe our reps were victimised for their trade union activities after organizing a previous strike.
“They never wanted to be in this situation—they just want to be back at work, doing their jobs.
“We demand HMRC gives them their jobs back and ends the victimisation of reps in the workplace.”
Impact on Services
The striking workers belong to HMRC’s customer services group, handling employer helpline inquiries and those for the construction industry.
The HMRC spokesperson noted that while phone lines and webchat would remain operational during the strike, customers might experience longer waiting times.
The spokesperson also clarified that HMRC does not comment on individual staff employment matters.
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