Public and Commercial Services Union

Our newsletter is a quarterly produced magazine written by young members, for young members.

It provides updates on developments in our network, reports on events, points of view from young members and useful guides and information for young member activists.

Want to receive our newsletter?

It's circulated in paper format to all young members signed up to the network, branch secretaries and organisers.

We have an increasing distribution – other trade unions and campaigning organisations now receive copies of our newsletter.

To receive copies of the young members newsletter or if you have any ideas or suggestions for future articles contact:

Tracy Edwards, young members' newsletter editor

Email: tracy@pcs.org.uk

Telephone: 0207 801 2727 x2393

If you are a PCS member aged 27 or under, join our network!

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Latest articles

Dirty oil

Over two million barrels of oil a day are spilling into the Gulf of Mexico, eleven workers have been killed, livelihoods have been destroyed and the damage to wildlife may be irreversible. UK pensions are now under threat as shares in BP have plummeted.

The real you

Coming out as gay is one of the hardest things you can do, a young member tells their story.

Young workers week 2010

Taking place on 27 September to 3 October 2010, young workers week has been called in response to the cuts and is a week of activity dedicated to campaigning on young members’ issues

If you know your history

Under the previous Tory government, PM Margaret Thatcher implemented a tax system which favoured the rich and penalised the poor. The hated poll tax led to mass demonstrations and a widespread grass roots campaign resulting in over 18 million people refusing to pay. YM organiser Tracy Edwards explains how a massive victory was achieved.

A genuine alternative

The emergency budget on 22nd June 2010 was hard hitting. A dark day for many low paid, vulnerable young people in society. YM Equalities Officer Debbie Mallet explains why it’s unnecessary and that there’s an alternative.

Keep out of danger

There’s a general consensus that young people are particularly at risk in the workplace. Health and Safety Executive (HSE) figures show that in 2005-06, 20 workers aged between 16-24 were killed in work related incidents. Lincs YM convenor Nick Parker explains the importance of health and safety.

Young members get organised

Agreed by the national young members committee, the first ever young members organising strategy seeks to focus our work in a clearer way.

A greek tradegy?

Hundreds of thousands of public and private sector workers, young and older took to the streets of Greece on 11 March 2010 for their third and biggest general strike against savage austerity plans. As civil servants in Greece face massive cuts, the young members' newsletter looks at what's happening.

Know your history

In the first of a new series to feature in the young members' newsletter looking at trade union history, YM organiser Tracy Edwards looks at the 1984-85 miners strike and why the lessons are important today.

Unite to defeat racism

Most people are disgusted by the election in June 2009 of two British National Party (BNP) members to represent Yorkshire and North West England in the European Parliament. Lincoln YM convenor Nick Parker looks at the reasons behind their increase in support and how we should respond.

Young members' forum success

Held annually, the national young members’ forum brings delegates from across departments together to discuss young members issues and taking our network forward.

Cut to the bone

HMRC announced on 15th September 2009 plans to make 30% efficiencies in customer contact directorates (CCD) over the next 2 years.
Scottish YM convenor Debbie Mallet spells out what this means.

Save our NHS

Highly paid consultants have earmarked 137,000 jobs to go in the National Health Service (NHS).
Lincs YM convenor Nick Parker argues against savage cuts to a much needed public service.

Hands off our future!

There’s been a lot of talk lately about attacks to the Civil Service Compensation Scheme (CSCS). Wales YM convenor Chris Musgrave explains what it to young members.

How to set up a young members' network

Young workers account for 10 per cent of our total membership yet only one per cent are active in our union. Our network exists to give young workers a voice in the workplace and ensure we continue to have a healthy union that campaigns on the issues that matter to us all well into the future.

Here’s how you can help.

A barrier to overcome

Facility time is an issue for those interested in getting involved with the young members’ network. YM Lincs convenor Nick Parker explains why he’s found it difficult to take part in activity.