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Who do we organise?

We are the union for the vast majority of workers, managers and professionals employed in central and devolved government and its’ related bodies.

We organise in government departments, government agencies, non-departmental public bodies, museums and libraries and in areas where civil service work has been outsourced to private sector companies. In all of these areas our individual arrangements vary.

We work alongside colleagues in Prospect, FDA, Unison and other unions in many areas. In other areas, we are the sole union.

In some of the areas where we work with other unions there are clearly agreed procedures regarding which union organises which set of workers, yet in other areas there are not.

If you are not sure, we advise that you contact the local branch secretary, regional organiser or negotiations office for specific advice.

Organising in new areas

We are always seeking to expand the coverage of our union into new areas. If you know of an area where there is no collective agreement/union recognition agreement in place, it is best to consult a PCS regional organiser in the first instance. They will investigate whether the area falls within PCS remits, establish whether any other union is present there and, if it is agreed to proceed, arrange for Commix, the PCS membership database to be updated and for subscription rates to be agreed.

Workers in unrecognised areas pay a reduced rate, (half of the ordinary maximum), as an incentive to join and campaign to win recognition. All of these workers will pay by direct debit, as we/they may not want their employer to know about their union membership.

Agency workers

An activists’ guide to organising agency workers was produced in 2007. Agency workers will all pay by direct debit. It is important to organise these workers into collective units, please contact a PCS regional organiser before proceeding.

Fixed-term contract workers

These members will have six months free subscriptions under our rules and should join on a salary deduction form unless they work in an unrecognised area.

Privatised security guards, cleaners, caterers

These members fall within the remit of our support and related grades association. Their membership will usually be allocated to the public sector branch where they work. Please contact a PCS regional organiser before proceeding as a new employer code may need to be set up on Commix in order to prevent a new application form being rejected.

Part-time workers

These workers pay a subscription proportionate to their salary under the salary deduction system. If they are in an unrecognised area, they will pay a reduced unrecognised rate – currently £2.90 per month.

Associate members

Members retiring have the option to retain their membership as an associate member of the union. Subscriptions can either be paid direct from their pension or by direct debit.