We must redouble our efforts to get organised
In his column for PCS People, Martin writes about how in an age where politicians work to create division, it is more important than ever that our trade union unites people.
One of the worst acts of the current government is their attack on disabled people. As the government waters down plans to tax non-doms and private equity bosses, it shows a total loss of moral compass to be taking thousands away from people who are often already struggling.
These proposed £4.5 billion cuts to disability benefits will have an impact on our DWP members who will have to administer them, but also on thousands of members who rely on Personal Independence Payments.
PCS is proud to work with other unions and groups like Disabled People Against Cuts to fight these cuts, which includes lobbying MPs.
It’s a political and an industrial campaign, and one we have to fight together. In 2016 the Tories tried a similar cut and we forced them back. The U-turn on the winter fuel payment shows we can defeat these too.
In the spending review, I was interested to hear Rachel Reeves say, “I have found savings from the closure and sale of government buildings and land”.
One of the main things that has allowed the government to save money on building costs has been hybrid working. During the Covid lockdowns our members proved in many areas that they could work just as effectively and efficiently from home.
As successive governments have suppressed civil service pay, the flexibility to work from home has at least meant members have made savings on the daily commute and childcare.
It therefore baffles me that the government lauds the ability to cut building costs, while sticking rigidly to the Tory diktat of 60% office attendance. Further savings could be recycled into better pay deals and hiring more civil servants where there are backlogs.
Increased, not decreased, flexibility is both necessary and possible. Not every member can work from home; for those that can we’re determined to negotiate a more flexible deal to benefit them and the government.
Logical argument may not be enough to convince them, so we have to redouble our efforts to get organised in our workplaces to win concessions industrially if necessary.
Finally, can I say it is an honour to have been re-elected as your national president. I promise you that I understand the importance of the role, and the responsibility that comes with it, and I will work tirelessly on your behalf to win better for you in the year ahead.