PCS Young members' network - why you should be part of it
The chair of the national young members’ committee writes about the opportunities and challenges facing young members in PCS.
As a young member the regional young members’ meetings may be your first time coming to a PCS meeting. I know that can be quite daunting.
Five years ago I was sitting at the north west young members’ meeting after turning up on my own, not knowing what to expect. Fast forward five years and I’m now the chair of the national young members’ committee (NYMC) and a branch organiser for a branch with over 3000 members. It has only been the young members’ network (YMN) that has given me the skills and the confidence to stand for those positions. More importantly it has given me the opportunity to meet fantastic trade unionists, not just from our union but from across the labour movement. In five years’ time that could be you, too.
Right now we face significant pressures as workers: exorbitant cost of living, extortionate rents, low wages, the list goes on. But I’m not here to cry and whinge, I’m an active PCS member because I want to get organised and fight back. It is only through being an active trade union member we can not just balance the force of power against the landlord and employer class, but win. There is no magical political party waiting in the wings to save us all, as workers we have to do it for ourselves.
Throughout the year your NYMC and your regional YMN will be hosting socials, educational activities, and organising events to build our power. Make sure you are part of the YMN by attending and help us to get as organised as we can. We’ve got a world to win.
If you are aged 27 or under you can join the PCS young members' network. Look out for emails from PCS about your regional meetings and events.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected]