Well, full marks for spot on accuracy to management in their latest attempt to sell us their social experiment. Yes, the screens have been resited, with a separate entrance and exit. This will be the screened area for the Pathfinder cluster.

Customers at (an unscreened) Balham or Wandsworth who require to be seen in a screened environment, for instance for a nil benefit decision to be given, will be sent to Streatham.

Pathfinder is the national name for pilot offices of Jobcentre Plus and in other Pathfinder clusters customers may be asked to travel 20 miles or more.

This actuality does not sit easily with management's assertion that the new service will mean customers not having to go from office to office. It is also not a very bright idea as it will undoubtedly lead to flashpoints.

Leigh Lewis seems to set great store by the presence of security guards and CCTV (just to make customers feel really welcome), but it was a security guard in Leyton who was stabbed, and a security guard at Croydon who suffered an angina attack after an incident. It was a policeman at Croydon who was stabbed.

If it hadn't been them…..

The current ballot on discontinuous strike action has been cancelled due to mailing difficulties and a fresh ballot has been ordered.

New ballot papers will be issued by 1st class post on 21st November with a first class return envelope to ERS balloting services.

The closing date for the ballot will be 4th December and the NEC will meet on that day.

The recommendation of both BA and ES GECS, and your local Branch is to vote YES.

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THE 24-HOUR PICKET OF IRENE HOUSE

Article and picture South London Press 16/11/01

The 24 hour picket successfully raised piles of dosh for the BBC Children In Need Appeal.

Well done to all who participated. Pictures, stories and the Grand Total raised will be reported in the next issue.

If you haven't completed and returned your sponsorship form attached to issue No. 10, please do so NOW!

…or we'll send the Stanley Singers round!

Support your pickets! Go along for a chat with them any morning, they're always pleased to see you, and will bring you up to date with news.

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR DETAILS OF DATE/VENUE CHANGES IN THE RUN UP TO XMAS

Weekly meetings for our strikers have been arranged. These are an opportunity to find out the latest news, to meet the strike centre team, and to ask any questions you have. They are also an opportunity to meet and keep in touch with workmates who are also on strike.

The next meeting will be on FRIDAY 23RD NOVEMBER

from 11.30 - 12.30 in Room 4.4 PCS HQ, 160 Falcon Road, Clapham Junction, London SW11 2LN

come and join us…