HUNDREDS of workers at the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) are to stage a three-day strike from Tuesday day in a long-running dispute over Covid-related safety.

Members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union based in Swansea, South Wales, will walk out from Tuesday to Thursday.

A series of strikes has already been held and the union is warning of months of industrial action unless the row is resolved.

It’s calling for a reduction in the number of staff expected to work from the office.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said that the DVLA and Department for Transport were not interested in settling this dispute.

He accused managers of hiring contractors to carry out the work of those on strike.

“The cost of using a contractor to carry out work done by DVLA staff could be used to settle the dispute alongside putting the original deal back on the table,” he said.

“Instead, public money is being wasted on trying to undermine our legitimate strike action, which will only have the opposite effect.

“Targeted action will continue at the DVLA for months to come unless the original deal, which both parties had agreed in principle, is back on the table.

“Senior DVLA management have grossly underestimated the resolve and determination of our members who want to see a just settlement to this dispute.”

The DVLA says that it has taken measures to ensure the safety of workers and has followed official guidance.

A DVLA spokesman said: “Millions of people right across the UK, including some of the more vulnerable people in society, rely on essential DVLA services and PCS’s demands will cause significant and unnecessary disruption to families and businesses, all at a time when they are most needed.”