Fresh strikes by DVLA staff in coronavirus-safety dispute

Workers at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) are to stage fresh strikes in a dispute over coronavirus (Covid-19) related safety.

Walkout

Members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) at the site in Swansea, South Wales, will walk out for four days from 4 May following industrial action earlier this month,

The union is calling for a reduction in the number of staff who need to go into the office to work after concerns were raised following a number of coronavirus cases last year. It said extensive negotiations have been held to try to resolve the dispute but claimed managers were insisting that more than 2,000 staff had to go into the office every day.

General secretary Mark Serwotka said:

The arrogance and intransience of DVLA senior management is outrageous and our members have been left with no choice but to take further strike action.

DVLA and ministers need to understand the levels of fear and anger within the workplace and that our union will support staff every step of the way.

The agency has said it had followed Welsh Government Covid guidance “at every single point”.