Benefits of Joining ARMs

When I retired I joined the Associate and Retired Members’ Association (ARMs). I was conscious of the lack of awareness amongst members, reps and activists. Once you retire you soon realise there are common issues whether you were from the civil service or private sector. 

ARMs is the voice of retired PCS members and also provides information and a variety of services and benefits. The ARMs network has a strong link to charities, local trades union councils, pensioners’ networks and campaign groups. 

ARMs provides many of the benefits and services available to working PCS members. ARMs can provide an opportunity for social activities and events and support local and national campaigns. ARMs also provides links for its members to keep up to date with and participate in mainstream PCS activities and campaigns. You get all these benefits for £2.09 a month. Sounds like a bargain.

The level of membership in ARMs should be higher than it currently is and it is important that we recruit and increase membership. We need to recruit ex-private sector members who wish to remain in PCS when they retire. Many workforces are aging so there must be potential ARMs members out there and we need to get them to join after retiring. 

If you are approaching retirement, why not join ARMs? Let’s set some achievable targets. Start by asking a friend or colleague who has retired or is retiring to join ARMs and increase the membership levels in every region. If every member did this, our membership could double.