Why we need to march against racism on 28 March

PCS has equality at the heart of everything it does. It is resolutely anti-racist and anti-fascist. That is why we've all watched the increase in racist and fascist activity in the UK with great concern. 

This includes gatherings associated with the agitator known as Tommy Robinson but also other right-wing groups, which now hold regular rallies or demos across the UK.  

One key tactic of these groups is to target asylum centres, mosques and community centres, as well as government buildings where our members work. 

Nobody should be scared to leave their home or go to their place of work because they fear verbal harassment or physical attacks.

The most recent election results showed a swing towards Reform, which uses dehumanising language about migrants and asylum seekers and decries anything they define as “woke”. Racism has been mainstreamed.

Founded in late 2025, the Together Alliance – a coalition of almost 100 organisations, including PCS – is an important new addition to the anti-racist and anti-fascist landscape.

The alliance’s first march gives us an opportunity to stand together in numbers against racism with allies, sending a clear message there are more of us than them.

But how else can we, as PCS activists, promote the principles of the PCS anti-racist and anti-fascist (ARAF) strategy? 

As well as mobilising members for the protest on 28 March, I will be encouraging branches to sign up to new PCS training that aims to equip branch reps and activists with the skills and confidence to be able to challenge some of the far-right views we may hear in our workplaces.

Members interested in finding out more about this training or booking a session for their branch should contact the PCS education and learning team at [email protected]. 

Since annual general meeting season is upon us, now is also a good time to submit ARAF-related motions for debate. 

ARAF in your community

In my community, I have been involved in different types of grassroots anti-racist organising, from a local anti-fascist group to Stand Up to Racism (SUTR), to which PCS is affiliated.

I have been helping to organise meetings, volunteering as a steward at rallies and speaking at events. Last summer, I joined local community and trade union activists to block UKIP from marching to Liverpool Women’s Hospital and intimidating the local Caribbean centre and mosque along the way.

More recently, I went to a ‘day school’ in December organised by local anti-fascist organisers, which brought trade union and community activists together for workshops. The aim was to learn from each other and make connections for future co-working.

Any Black members who want to get involved with ARAF work in their local community should speak to their regional office to get links to local SUTR and other groups.  

My region, for example, has regular chats about ARAF work after regional meetings and links its activities with our regional TUC and trade councils.

Black people experience racism on an ongoing basis, from micro-aggressions to the more aggressive and threatening abuse. Institutional racism is a reality for them and their families.  

We will continue to fight these overt and less-overt forms of racism in our communities, our workplaces, and on our streets. I hope to see you in London on 28 March!