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Driving tests are cancelled
Driving tests in Wigan were being cancelled again today as staff joined another pay strike.
The majority of workers at Wigan Test Centre in Mesnes Park Terrace were expected to walk out in the long-running dispute with Government employers the Driving Standards Agency.
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), which represents most driving test staff, also claims the half-yearly introduction of new number plates will be affected.
They are angry about a series of below-inflation pay offers at the Department for Transport (DfT), which they say has widened the gender wage gap.
But management has condemned the disruption.
Wigan candidates are being urged to turn up for their test appointments as "some" tests may go ahead, taken by non-union assessors. It is hoped all cancelled tests will be re-scheduled within six weeks.
A Wigan PCS spokesman said civil service pay was "a mess" and added: "With starting salaries as little as 12,528, low pay across the department has been compounded by a series of below inflation pay offers which in some cases amount to little more than just one per cent.
"Added to this are unacceptable pay gaps between the predominantly female staffed DVLA and the predominantly male DfT.
"The DfT and the government need to act swiftly to stem the growing tide of industrial unrest by introducing a common pay system and by paying a fair wage that doesn't represent a pay cut in real terms.''
A DSA spokesman said not all examiners were union members and added: "We want candidates to attend so practical tests can be delivered if possible. Theory tests are not affected and will be taking place as planned."
"If no examiner is available for a test a new date will automatically be re-booked by DSA.
Learners who turn up and whose tests are cancelled will be sent a form to claim "out of pocket" expenses for travelling to the centre, along with details of the new test.
But if they fail to turn up they will not be able to claim and will need to re-book their own tests.
Learner drivers wishing to book a practical test will still be able to use the DSA's internet booking service.
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Weather for Wigan
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
