Public and Commercial Services Union

Promoting equality and tackling discrimination is one of the founding principles of PCS and a challenge that needs to be addressed at every level of the union.

The challenge is how we take the issue of equality forward and how we ensure that our commitment to equality translates from words into meaningful action.

The national executive committee recognises that much good work has been done on making progress towards equality but that there is still more to do.

There is a need, not just to identify equality issues on the bargaining and campaigning agenda, but also to ensure that under represented groups have a voice in PCS and that structures are in place and representatives are trained and resourced to ensure that the agenda is being taken forward at every level.

Some of this work can be done at a national level but the national executive committee believes that PCS branches, groups, associations, regions and national bodies of the union all need to play a part by regularly reviewing their own progress on promoting equality and by developing their own annual action plans, in consultation with members, for taking forward the bargaining, campaigning and organising agenda for equality in each area.

A PCS charter for equality

Part one of this paper sets out a Charter For Equality that reflects the changes being proposed to the union’s principal rules on equal opportunities. This sets out our aims for achieving equality of opportunity for PCS members and reflects the recommendations of the TUC’s Stephen Lawrence Task Group.

Key indicators for equality

Part two of the paper sets out a series of key indicator for equality. The purpose of the key indicators is to act as a checklist for branches, groups, associations, regions and national committees to review how they are identifying and tackling inequality and under-representation and where additional action is needed.

Using the key indicators

The key indicators provide a six-point checklist against which PCS decision-making bodies can review the organisation and structures that they have in place to support and progress the equality agenda and equality plans.

Developing action plans for equality

The National Executive Committee recommends that all of our decision making bodies and committees at branch, group, association, region and national level should develop an action plan for equality that identifies the priority equality issues around organising, bargaining and campaigning in that area, in consultation with members, particularly those from under represented groups.

To assist PCS structures in developing their plans, the National Executive Committee will issue guidance on national priorities, based on consultation with the national forums for women, black and disabled members and with PCS Proud as well as with members who attend the national equality seminars.

PCS as employer

The National Executive Committee recognises that our duty to promote equality also extends to the employment of PCS staff. An Equality and Diversity Task Group has been set up on which staff are represented by their trade union, the GMB. Agreement has been reached on equality monitoring and negotiations are being finalised on a comprehensive equality and diversity policy.

Next steps

The national executive committee believes that the charter, key indicators and plans for equality provide a focus and an opportunity for PCS to make progress towards equality.

This will be an ongoing process and there will be a report back to conference in 2005 on action taken together with any recommendations for further change.

Ensuring that under represented groups are able to participate in union activity

Publications

• Publications are accessible to all members and available in alternative formats where required such as large print, Braille or on audiotape
• Publications include regular coverage of equality issues
• Images, photographs and reports reflect the diversity of PCS membership in positive ways

Meeting and events

• Meetings are held in venues that are accessible to members with disabilities
• Members attending meetings who have needs such as a loop system or signer have those needs met
• Meetings are held at times when all members can attend including part time workers and shift workers
• Meetings are held outside of school holidays as far as possible, so that parents have the best chance of being able to attend
• Childcare and/or assistance with carers’ additional costs is provided and advertised.
• Disabled members, parents, children and carers are able to join in with union organised social activities
• Meetings are held in venues that all members would feel comfortable in attending. Pubs and other venues selling alcohol can be off putting to some members
• Where food is provided consideration is given to dietary requirements. For example, some religions prohibit eating certain types of meat.

Tackling under representation on decision-making bodies

• Members and reps are encouraged to update monitoring information held on the PCS membership system
• Targets are set to ensure that committees and delegations are representative of the profile of the membership
• Co-option is considered if targets are not met
• At election time encouragement is given to members of under represented groups to stand for election
• Information is provided about the timing of elections and requirements of candidates
• Information is provided about the duties of each post, the time commitment needed the facility time available and the training available
• Opportunities are provided for mentoring, shadowing, buddying and attending meetings as an observer

Building networks and equality structures

• Networks for under represented groups are set up to encourage member participation and to reduce workplace isolation
• Equality committees are put in place to advise decision-making bodies on bargaining, campaigning and organising issues
• Reports and recommendations from equality committees are given a high priority at meetings
• Representatives to national equality forums are supported in contributing to national policies and priorities and reporting back
• All decision-making bodies have appointed an equality officer

Representing members

• Members know who to approach if they have a personal case
• Systems are in place to monitor personal cases
• Reps have received up to date training on equality issues and discrimination law

Progressing equality issues

• Equality committees and networks are consulted about issues that concern them
• An annual equality plan has been drawn up to prioritise and progress bargaining, campaigning and organising issues
• Negotiators actively consider whether changes proposed to terms and conditions are likely to have an adverse impact on particular groups
• Equality issues are given a high priority at meetings
• Members understand how to raise equality issues and concerns through union structures

Reviewing and reporting on progress

• Progress is reviewed against key indicators and the annual equality plan
• Progress is reported back to members at regular intervals