GCHQ: listening to unions again

GCHQ Diehards Return

They refused to comply with the decision by the Thatcher government in 1984 to outlaw trade unions at the communications base at Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, and were dismissed.

Ever since, a few former employees have kept up the fight for recognition, with the support of the trade union movement. Finally, after the General Election, the new Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook, lifted the ban.

Former employees return for talks

Ten of the last 14 to leave are returning to GCHQ to negotiate on terms and conditions - either a return to work, or reparation for the loss of wages and pensions.

Stephen Cape talks to GCHQ workers on BBC Radio's Today programme Dur: 3'30"

Half of the former employees are past the age of retirement, and only four or five are considering going back to work.

That may not be easy. Two days ago, it emerged that hundreds of jobs are likely to be axed from GCHQ over the next eight years. Some will go through streamlining of two sites in Cheltenham, while others will transfer to the private sector.

The present GCHQ workforce of 5,000, spread across several sites, could be cut to 4,150 by the year 2005, a loss of 850 jobs. The workforce in Cheltenham could reduce from the present 4,400 to 3,750.

GCHQ said it was hoped that any job losses would be achieved through natural wastage.