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Wales Committee sets agenda for tough year ahead

5 January 2010

The December meeting of the PCS Wales Committee took place against the background of the Pre-Budget Report and addressed the union's response to government plans to slash public sector jobs and services over the next year.

With ministers already seemingly intent on provoking a dispute over redundancy rights, the Chancellor set out, as the Committee met, details of a 1% cap on public sector pay increases, a cap on employer contributions to public sector pensions and cuts in so-called 'back- office' functions generally.

Commenting on the proposals, Peter Harris said that the Chancellor was “seeking to make hard-working public sector workers bear the brunt of the crisis caused by the irresponsibility of the banks. The impact of his proposals will be particularly severe in Wales, where some 350,000 people work in the public sector and where there is greater dependence on public services to maintain material wellbeing and community cohesion.”

Peter is taking over as PCS Wales Secretary, as Jeff Evans assumes overall responsibility for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland following the union’s strategic review.

The Wales Committee resolved to build on the success of the Compensation Scheme campaign so far in challenging the cuts agenda, preparing for possible industrial action and ensuring that sympathetic Welsh politicians were fully briefed on the issues. The union will also be seeking to get our concerns onto the agenda of the Wales TUC, with the aim of developing a unified response together with other public sector unions. 

Successful forum develops union’s green agenda

The Wales Committee also heard a report of the PCS Wales Green Reps’ Forum held the previous week. The well-attended meeting had heard from Leanne Wood AM, Plaid Cymru sustainability spokesperson and PCS Assembly group chair, who had given an overview of current issues in green politics in Wales and globally. In addition, reps had undertaken practically-focused workshop discussions about advancing green policy objectives in the workplace, among PCS members and in the crisis-stricken global economy.

Green Forum co-convenor, Steve Ryan, commented: “The workshops were very successful, with a wide and innovative range of ideas and action points arising. This was a great day for reps in Wales and builds a firm base for taking forward the Green agenda in Wales during 2010.” 

Wales Committee news in brief

• The Committee agreed to encourage Welsh PCS members to attend the Rally for Public Services in Liverpool on 30th January, providing transport if there is sufficient demand.
• The importance of the ‘Make Your Vote Count’ campaign in a general election year, was highlighted, and it was agreed that planning should begin as soon as practicable.
• In particular, the battle against the far right had to be stepped up and it was agreed to support the launch of UAF Wales.
• Learning Services Officer, Jayne Smith, reported on the continuing success of the union’s education and training programme, with course participation rising from 378 in 2007 to 407 in 2008 and 526 in 2009.
• Chris Musgrave gave his final report as Young Members’ Forum convenor, having secured a place in the TUC Organising Academy; the Committee thanked Chris for all his hard work and wished him well for the future.
• The next Wales Committee meeting will take place in Cardiff on 4th March.
 

  Wales committee news December 2009/January 2010 PDF  

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