Driving test examiners to strike

Driving test examiners and coastguards will hold lightning strikes tomorrow in disputes over jobs and closures.

Members of the Public and Commercial Services union at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Driving Standards Agency will strike for between one and two hours in the latest phase of a month of action by thousands of transport workers.

The union is protesting at plans to close a number of coastguard stations it says will cost 140 jobs, while the PCS fears job losses through the closure of driving test centres.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "It is obvious to almost everyone now that austerity isn't working and that what our communities need is support and investment, not more cuts.

"These strikes across our transport services form a major part of our ongoing fight alongside other public sector workers against cuts to pensions, jobs and pay.

"Instead of arrogantly turning their backs on us and hoping we will go away, ministers should come to the negotiating table in a genuine effort to reach a settlement."

Thousands of workers at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency in Swansea will also take action tomorrow, while further walkouts will be held throughout June in the Department for Transport headquarters and other transport agencies.

PA