Conference votes to expand and deepen ARAF work and unite workers

Motions A110 and A111 further committed PCS to mobilising against the far-right and organising and educating in our communities and workplaces in a “sharply changed political climate.”

Moving motion A110, which was passed unanimously, Cheral Govind, a member of PCS's national executive committee (NEC), argued that PCS must recommit to its anti-racism and anti-fascism work due to a “sharply changed political climate,” one which “demands clarity and confidence from our union”. 

With the far right now gaining mass electoral support, PCS members are "already feeling the impact of this shift – in our workplaces, in our communities, and increasingly online.”

As Cheral noted, PCS’s ARAF strategy showed how Black members are reporting growing concerns about safety and wellbeing; far-right organising is more open, confident and visible; and reps are asking for clearer guidance, training and backing from the union.

She explained that this motion is “practical and action focused” because it commits PCS to implementing the ARAF strategy “across the whole union, not as a paper exercise but as a living strategy”.

Expanding training and education

More concretely, it will expand training and education, strengthen workplace organising by negotiating zero-tolerance policies on racism, hold employers to clear equality standards, and ensure branches regularly discuss and act on ARAF issues.

It also prioritises member and rep safety and reinforces the importance of a broad anti-racist front with community groups, anti-racist organisations and fellow unions. 

A rep in the HMPPS National Branch, Tracey noted that PCS members need a "strategic tool" like the updated ARAF strategy to help supply the “arguments and narratives” needed to defeat the far right. 

Tracey Hylton, vice chair of the national Black members committee, reminded conference about the importance of having conversations with families and friends about disinformation, while DWP rep Dylan called on delegates to address support for the far-right within our own ranks.

“Some of our members and colleagues will have voted Reform,” he said. “The far-right is not a spooky presence out there – it’s in our workplace, our branches and our communities.”

Saluting those standing against far-right

Motion A111 saluted all those who have stood up to the far-right, including the counter-protests that were key in forcing back the racists and fascists who on the basis of deliberate misinformation, sought to exploit the horrific incident in Southport last July, targeting refugees, migrant workers and Black and Asian and Muslim communities.

Alan of DSg South Central branch who moved the motion said: “There can be no doubt in the mind of everyone that the consequences of not adequately combatting the threats of the far-right are quite frankly terrifying. 

“This motion speaks to one of the most serious responsibilities of the trade union movement, preventing the far-right from gaining ground and defeating it though organised working class unity.”

He said we must be there to combat them where the far-right mobilises on the streets. And the trade union movement must be collectively well organised and stewarded in solidarity with targeted communities and involve all those who share our aims.

“We must provide an alternative, fighting for material change and secure jobs, decent pay, housing, public services and equality,” he said.

He said PCS must not simply oppose racism in words but lead the fight against it in practice and seek to galvanise all those who want to win a better world.

Nick, from Acas branch called on delegates to swear an oath together that when the far-right come for our workmates that we commit together that we will fight using our collective strength.

He said we must also fight the unequal social conditions that “allow the flames of racism to spread.”

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