Public and Commercial Services Union

What does the union expect of me?

As a member, there is no expectation for you to contribute to anything. However, you have the right to participate in ballots and in other key decisions which the union makes and it's entirely your decision as to what level of contribution you wish to offer.

How do I become more involved?

Speak to any branch executive committee (BEC) member or to your Regional Office - you can do as much or as little to help as you wish.  They will advise you how you can participate and contribute. They will also inform you about current Branch, local and national activities.

Will I be expected to attend the conference and/or any other external meetings?

No. There is no expectation on you to attend. However, we are always looking for and actively encourage volunteers within the branch to attend conference and other external meetings, so that every RDA has a say, is involved and has representation at these important events.  All travel, accommodation and expenses will be met by PCS in order to facilitate your attendance at these meetings.  In some instances your Regional Officer can facilitate time off work to attend.

The PCS national campaign - how does it affect me?

The PCS national campaign IS already affecting the RDAs directly. For example, there are a number of compulsory redundancies currently occurring in some RDAs as a result of the 5% year-on-year efficiency savings required from single programme funding and from single running costs as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) 2007.   Restructuring is also already under way in some RDAs.

There is also a recurring trend whereby the RDAs are affected by an increase in workload which is transferred by other Departments that are going to be cut without a match of the staff resource. This is encouraging a trend in increasing workloads and encouraging long hours and imposing stress on the workforce.

Millions of pounds are also being wasted on employing consultants to undertake work which RDA staff should be trained and equipped to undertake.

The reward for all this - proposed pay increases that fall well below the rate of inflation which has risen above 4% once again.

What difference will my involvement make?

 We are a small non-departmental public body (NDPB), we are small fry and not in the same scale as big departments like the DWP (the Department for Work and Pensions).

However, if we work as one collective group for all of the RDAs, the impact our coordinated and concerted effort could be substantial. Your contribution and involvement are of paramount importance to increasing our voice as a collective RDA group at national level.

You can make a difference!