Strength and power of our women members and reps – get involved in the ballot

This year, like previous years, the Civil Service Pay Remit was paltry and offensive, and it is time that we took action.

In order to take action, we need a strong turnout in the ballot and this won’t happen accidently, it will take hard work and dedication from as many members as possible, including lay reps, advocates and activists.

Over 50% of PCS members are women, and if we join together, our voices and our actions can make a huge difference to the outcome of this ballot.

No matter where we work, one key part of success will be to use PCS Digital and make sure that all members’ details are correct, and that the membership is properly maintained.

I use PCS Digital frequently and it’s a great tool to support reps in their organising work. If you don’t currently use PCS Digital register online now, ask someone in your branch or at PCS to show you, it is easy once you know how. In addition to keeping PCS Digital up to date, we all need to talk to members about the ballot.

Talking to our members is great way to get to know your branch better. Increased conversation also builds trust and the better the relationship with members, the better outcome will be in this ballot.

Members usually appreciate being contacted and are much more likely to vote when they feel included and empowered. We all know that like encourages like, and when women talk to other women about voting in the ballot this can have a significant impact and increase turnout.

If we achieve a good turnout in this ballot, then maybe, just maybe, everyone will have a brighter future, or at the very least, afford to put the heating on.

When you have filled in your ballot paper and posted it please tell us that you have voted.

You can do it in several ways:

• Tell your rep at work that you have posted back your ballot paper and they will tick you off the list.
• When your reps asks you if you have posted back your ballot paper, tell them.
• Log in to your PCS Digital account and tick the box called "I have posted my ballot paper".
• When you receive an email or text message from PCS follow the instructions to reply to say you have posted back your ballot paper.

To request a replacement ballot you can log on to PCS Digital, go to your member record and select a button called "Request a Replacement Ballot Paper". This will send a request to our balloting team. You will then be required to confirm/update your ballot address or employer.

Alternatively, speak to your local advocate, rep, or branch activist to send the request for you through the PCS Organising Hub. You will then receive an email that will follow the same path as above.

The deadline for new members joining PCS to get a vote is 5pm on Monday, 17 October.

Anyone joining by that time and date will automatically be sent a ballot paper.