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Young Members

The year 2009 is already proving to be a difficult year for working people in Britain and throughout the world. Thousands of redundancies are being announced daily and uncertainty over existing jobs, terms and conditions is rife. The PCS Union is dedicated to defending and enhancing its member’s jobs, terms, pay and conditions. In addition to this we also seek to promote the value of the services our members provide to society.

Members in NOMS have been involved in constant dispute and struggle at National and Group level with the Government since 2004. Thanks to the hard work and commitment of activists and members, we have won significant victories on Pensions, Job Security, and Out Sourcing and recently we have made a break through on winning Fair Pay. Closer to home in NOMS (HM Prison Service) we won the historic Equal Pay victory in 2006. More recently though, we have been awaiting developments of Workforce Modernisation to find out what it will mean for members. The NOMS Group Executive Committee are fighting for our interests amid much uncertainty but this will not amount to anything with out strong participation in our union from members at the grassroots, in NOMS workplaces.

We need representatives of all ages, but given that the average age of a Trade Unionist is in their mid-forties it is particularly important for the long term health of our union that we find young reps and activists.

Getting involved in your union can seem daunting and confusing at first, but expressing an interest in becoming involved does not mean you will be thrown in at the deep end and expected to face down Governors in gritty workplace disputes. There are many things you can do to help our union from distributing PCS notices in the workplace, helping your colleagues meet their learning needs, to promoting energy efficiency. Training and Facility Time will be provided to help you perform your duties and you will not be expected to take on more than you can cope with or are willing to.

The stakes have never been higher for Civil and Public Servants in all departments. We are still fighting for a fairer pay system but we must also fight for the hearts and minds of the general public as the right wing press shamelessly try to put the blame for the country’s financial woes on Public Services and the people who provide them.

So make 2009 the year you take a stand, for yourself, your colleagues and the essential services we provide.

Please contact a member of your Branch Executive Committee

PCS Young Members Organiser Tracy Edwards: - tracy@pcs.org.uk

Or myself to express your interest.

Adam Wissen
PCS Young Members Representative and
Midlands Regional Convenor
NOMS East Midlands Branch
HMP Stocken

Email: Adam.wissen@hmps.gsi.gov.uk or Adam.wissen1@virgin.net