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News 10 days of strikes set to sweep away gains in reducing L-test waiting lists Just when we hoped we were getting on top of the L-test waiting times... ...the PCS union confirmed that driving examiners would be taking part in a rolling programme of strikes over a 10-day period through March – and there could be more industrial action for the rest of the year, too. More than 1,600 PCS members will be involved in the forthcoming strikes, which start on March 6 and run through to March 28. They are part of the union’s national campaign on pay, pensions, redundancy terms and job security, and comes after similar action by examiners at the turn of the year. The strikes so far have caused significant disruption and cost an estimated £2.8m in lost driving test revenue. This amounts to around 45,000 lost L-tests – or approximately three per cent of all L-tests conducted annually. PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said the decision to launch the latest wave of strikes was not taken lightly, but the unwillingness of the DVSA and Government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the union had forced its hand. “The government must put forward concrete proposals to resolve this dispute,” he said. “The more ministers choose to ignore members’ concerns over low pay, the more angry our members become. “We cannot ignore the cost-of-living crisis. Ministers must resolve this dispute by putting money on the table.” The strike actions began last year when PCS held a ballot of members over a series of issues, including pay, pensions, jobs and redundancy terms. With a turnout of 50 per cent in 124 employer areas, it delivered an 86.2 per cent vote in favour of strike action – the highest percentage vote in its history, PCS said. The PCS wants a 10 per cent pay rise for driving examiners as well as improvements to pensions, job security and no cuts to redundancy terms. The PCS added: “The problem we have is the Government isn’t talking to us. We’ve made it clear we are open to negotiation but no-one from Government is prepared to discuss these issues in meaningful manner. “The only offer we have had is that the Government might be able to promise more money next year, but that’s no good for our members. They need their income to rise now, in the face of huge increases in their cost of living. “If you look at the position across the public sector, the Government is being totally intransigent. “Further strikes will, sadly, happen after March unless things change in their negotiating position.” A DVSA spokesperson said: “DVSA is working hard to keep any disruption caused by industrial action to a minimum, so as many much-needed appointments will go ahead as possible. “We are putting in place contingency measures and are sorry for any inconvenience. “We are advising all customers to turn up for their appointment as usual. L-test customers who have an appointment on a day when industrial action is taking place will be contacted directly with further information if their driving test is affected. However, should they wish to, they can rearrange or cancel their booking in line with our usual policy.” What ADIs will find alarming is that on February 24 the PCS announced that a new ballot will be held on further industrial action. The current strikes are part of the six-month mandate the law allows after the vote on this issue in November; a further postal ballot will be held from March 20-May 9 which, if examiners back the union, could mean a further six months of industrial action. Mark Serwotka said: “We’re sending a very clear signal to ministers that we’re not backing down in the pursuit of a fair deal for our members. “The pressure is building on ministers. They must talk to us, listen to our concerns. They know we’re looking at escalating our strike action beyond May, unless they make concessions. “Our members deserve a fair pay rise and we will not stop our campaign until ministers put money on the table.” What we say: MSA GB sees no winners in this dispute. Government and DVSA come out as ignoring public sector workers, and examiners look uncaring as to the impact these strikes have on learners. But we do see the losers, very clearly. They are our pupils, who have the chance to take their L-test snatched away from them, causing huge stress and incvenience, and our ADI members, who see more disruption to their livelihoods after two years of Covidrelated problems. Remember, examiners were paid in full during Covid; ADIs, while receiving support frmo the Government, did not. It is encumbent on all parties concerned to get around the negotiating table and resolve this dispute. PCS claims that the Government is reluctant to enter into talks at all is incredibly worrying and frustrating. 10 NEWSLINK n MARCH 2023
For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com DVSA launches new theory app DVSA’s official publisher, The Stationery Office (TSO), has launched an updated version of the theory test kit app. The app is a great resource to help your pupils learn the Highway Code and prepare for their theory test. It’s available to download on both Android and iOS devices. The updated app includes: • Measure of test readiness – helping learners know when they’re ready to take their real test. • Timed mock tests • Links out to DVSA Ready to Pass campaign – combining practical and theory tests • Has a fresh new design – making it easier for users to navigate the app The app also includes all the official revision questions, interactive hazard perception clips to help your pupils get ready for their test and a digital copy of The Highway Code. The price of the app is still £4.99 and it is available on both Android and iOS platforms. If pupils already have the app, they can check their devices’ app store to make sure they have updated it to the most recent version. Waiting room gone for a Burton Due to refurbishment work at Burton-on-Trent driving test centre, the waiting room facilities will continue to be unavailable until Wednesday, March 8. Temporary toilet facilities will still be provided until then. ADIs are requested to arrive at least five minutes before their pupil’s test and wait in their car. The driving examiner will come to your car at the time of the test. The DVSA has already contacted affected candidates, but if you have booked their test for them, please let them know. Help your pupils find a great car insurance deal and earn yourself £50! * Adrian Flux Insurance Services have introduced a driving instructor referral scheme, whereby driving instructors can earn up to £50* for each policy taken out by their pupils. How does it work? 1 You will be allocated a unique reference number, (“i”Number) 2 4 You will be sent a batch of personalised cards to hand out to your pupils 3 When your pupils call 0800 587 5291 for a quote we’ll ask for your i Number We’ll pay you up to £50 for each new policy sold by your referral Start earning today, click here to email your enquiry adrianflux.co.uk/di Authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority *Referral rates may vary. The £50 fee is based on the pupil taking out a 12 month comprehensive policy. NEWSLINK n MARCH 2023 11
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Page 23 and 24: MSA GB ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 MSA GB
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Newslink March

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