By Left Horizons supporters in PCS
[Editorial Note: The Coalition for Change (CfC) has a slight majority on the NEC of the Public and Commercial Services Union, PCS. CfC is composed of the Broad Left Network (BLN), as the largest component, with the Independent Left and other independents. BLN issued the following election campaign leaflet for the forthcoming elections in the union, including a list, at the end, of all the candidates supported by the Coalition for Change].
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Last year members voted for us because they wanted change. In the 2024 NEC elections, the former ‘Left Unity’ leadership was defeated. The Broad Left Network (BLN), standing as part of a broader alliance on an agreed fighting programme, won a 19:16 majority – a mandate for change.
The new NEC majority was blocked by the president and the general secretary
Effectively, those who lost their majority have ignored the will of the members. Having retained the Presidency and already occupying the post of General Secretary, the Left Unity Group has used these positions, ruling by presidential decree, to block the NEC from making decisions – including, most importantly, our conference mandate for a national campaign on jobs and pensions. Despite this, the NEC majority has addressed important issues:
- In January, the NEC was finally able to agree to rebuild the national campaign – overcoming the last 8 months of obstruction.
- While thousands of pounds were spent without NEC authority by the General Secretary on creating new higher-paid jobs for her supporters, we held down expenditure and prioritised spending on building the union and supporting reps
- We have begun to overhaul the organising strategy, shifting the emphasis to supporting reps and building a powerful presence in every workplace
Starmer’s attacks
We welcomed the defeat of the Tories and understand why members might be relieved.
But unfortunately, as we warned, within days Labour launched austerity – cutting the winter fuel allowance, retaining the two-child benefit cap, and betraying WASPI women. No mention of a wealth tax!
In 2024 pay remit was underfunded, 10,000 job cuts have been announced, and a pay limit of 2.8% is likely in 2025. This will do little for pay restoration.
Labour’s plans must be defeated
The national campaign must be rebuilt. We must build up our strike fund and the fight against UK and devolved nation austerity governments. Welsh and Scottish sectors need a winning campaign with those members front and centre of developing strategy.
No more sidelining. We will not be alone. Other public sector unions will be in the same boat – the NEU has announced an indicative ballot of teachers. PCS needs a strong leadership serious about building a campaign capable of winning.
Help us win an increased majority on the NEC and win the presidential election. Nominate our team of candidates. Let your voice be heard!
We will:
Save jobs – improve pay – build a national campaign! Fight for jobs, pay – including for those perpetually on the minimum wage – and pensions; prevent office closures, and stop attacks on flexible/hybrid working.
Rebuild our union. We will prioritise a powerful union presence in every workplace underpinned by a massive recruitment exercise.
Back our out-sourced members. We will ensure work for our out-sourced members is fully supported and resourced, and will campaign to bring this work back in house.
Defend PCS democracy. We will defend the democracy of our union. It has been hi-jacked by the president and general secretary. We need to stop this abuse and give elected union reps more resources to support members.
No to discrimination and racism. No to all forms of discrimination in the union. Resist employer attacks against trans and non-binary rights. Stand up to the far-right groups with a campaign for ‘Jobs, Homes and Services, not Racism’.
Future-proof terms and conditions. Homeworking and Artificial Intelligence are here to stay – but both must be made to work for our members. We will fight for national agreements covering both, to protect jobs and conditions.
A strong political voice. Labour’s or SNP’s cuts show we have to be ready to fight for our members – and that will be stronger if we fight for a political voice as well. PCS should support the politicians and candidates who support our policies.
Nominate and support MARION LLOYD for PCS president. Nominate NEC candidates who will stand up to government to defend jobs, pay and pensions.
BLN candidates [including Coalition for Change] for NEC:
President: Lloyd, Marion (DSIT)
Vice-Presidents: Clarke, Eleanor (Cabinet Office), Laidlaw, Bev (DWP), Semply, Dave (DfE), Wesley, Hector (HMRC).
NEC members:
Awen, Eilonwy (HMRC)
Brittle, Fiona (Scottish govt)
Carlsen, Bryan (HSE)
Chown, Josh (Home Office)
Clark, Abi (DWP)
Clarke, Eleanor (Cabinet Office)
Criddle, Gemma (HMRC)
Dale, Joe (MHCLG)
Davidson, John (HMRC)
Day, Chris (National Archives)
Dennis, Alan (DSG)
Foley Doyle, Ella (HMRC)
Hamer, Chip (Sport England)
Heemskerk, Rachel (DWP)
Jones, David (MHCLG)
Laidlaw, Bev (DWP)
Lawton, Reece (DWP)
Lloyd, Marion (DSIT)
Marks, Chris (DWP)
Menezes-Jackson, Vijay (DWP)
Norris, Liat (MOJ)
Ritchie, Rob (Met Police)
Rosser, Jon-Paul (HMRC)
Semple, Dave (DfE)
Smith, John (HMRC)
Spencer, Gary (MHCLG)
Tweedale, Saorsa-Amatheia (DWP)
Williams, Katrine (DWP)
Wright, Annette (HMRC)
Young, Bobby (HMRC)
