Hundreds of DVLA staff in Swansea begin three-day strike

The three-day strike by DVLA staff began on Friday

Hundreds of workers at the DVLA in Swansea have begun a three-day strike.

On Friday about 650 Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union members at the DVLA contact centre began the walkout in a dispute over Saturday pay.

Keith Johnston of PCS said: "There seems to be the idea that south Wales is a low wage economy and DVLA can get away with exploiting its staff there."

The DVLA said it was "extremely disappointed" with the strike.

PCS said the dispute arose from the DVLA's decision not to pay an allowance for Saturday working to contact-centre staff recruited since the start of 2015, and a 50% cut for staff who do receive it from 1 September.

Mr Johnston added: "This dispute is vitally important to everyone in the agency; if the employer is able to cut the pay of our members in the contact centre then it will inevitably seek to reduce the terms and conditions for the rest of DVLA staff."

A spokesman for the DVLA said: "Staff had already agreed to the changes to terms and conditions which offered a competitive and generous package.

"Our priority is to maintain a service to our customers and we have well-established contingency plans to minimise disruption."