![\"BBC](\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/1b2a\/live\/f33fd950-88c8-11f0-8621-9dbb53d1b02b.jpg.webp\")
BBC<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\nHundreds of security staff based in the Houses of Parliament are taking strike action in a dispute over pay and conditions.<\/p>\n Public and Commercial Services (PCS) members who work at the Palace of Westminster will walk out for 24 hours from 07:00 BST on each of the next two Wednesdays.<\/p>\n The union says its employer’s removal of six days’ annual leave from members’ contracts, pay stagnation and a widening ethnicity pay gap has made them “particularly angry”.<\/p>\n A UK Parliament spokesperson said: “The decision to proceed with strike action is a disappointing outcome, following months of continued engagement to try to resolve outstanding concerns.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n During the action, Parliamentary pass holders will not be allowed to bring guests on to the estate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The union will also carry out action short of a strike, including an overtime ban and a work-to-rule, until 12 September.<\/p>\n PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “To fight for fair pay and conditions, our dedicated members at the Palace of Westminster will take industrial action this week just as parliament returns from recess.<\/p>\n “Day and night, they work incredibly hard to ensure the safety of MPs, Lords, staff and visitors in the UK’s national parliament building.<\/p>\n “They deserve to be treated fairly and to have their many concerns addressed by the employer.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n A UK Parliament spokesperson said: “Parliamentary security staff are valued colleagues. <\/p>\n “We remain committed to working closely with staff and unions to address the issues raised and to reach a resolution.<\/p>\n “As always, the safety and security of all members of the Parliamentary community, as well as those that visit Parliament, remains our absolute priority. <\/p>\n “Working closely with the Met Police, we have implemented robust contingency plans which will ensure both the safety of the estate as usual and no disruption to parliamentary business.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n‘Valued colleagues’<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n