The final day of 2025 will be marked by significant industrial action, as security personnel at the Palace of Westminster and cleaning staff on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) stage separate strikes over pay and conditions.
Westminster Security Staff Walk Out for Fourth Time
Around 300 members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union are set to down tools on New Year's Eve. These workers, responsible for security at the historic Palace of Westminster, are taking their fourth day of strike action this year.
The dispute centres on pay, terms, and conditions. PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote has strongly criticised their employer, accusing them of cutting annual leave entitlements and presenting security staff with what she termed an "insulting" cash offer.
DLR Cleaning Staff Join New Year's Eve Action
In a parallel dispute, cleaning crews working on the Docklands Light Railway network will also strike on 31 December. Their action is part of a long-running pay row.
Eddie Dempsey, General Secretary of the RMT union, is leading the call for change. He has demanded that the cleaning services be brought back in-house by Transport for London and that workers receive proper sick pay provisions.
A Year of Persistent Industrial Unrest
These latest walkouts contribute to the persistent wave of industrial action that has characterised much of 2025. This ongoing unrest continues despite efforts by the Labour government to improve industrial relations across the country.
The coordinated timing on New Year's Eve ensures the disputes will garner significant public and political attention as the year concludes.
