Group conferences round-up 2026
Members are debating key issues that affect workers in their groups, read highlights from across the PCS
In culture, the group has made significant wins for members this year through strike action in the Tate Galleries and British Library and improved terms and conditions in other areas.
“The group will focus on reshaping the group, supporting branches and fighting the urgent challenges facing members in culture, arts and heritage”, group president Hannah David told delegates in Brighton.
In the defence sector, delegates from across all 12 of our public sector defence regional branches and commercial sector branches came together in Brighton for day one of the group conference. They debated more than 30 motions on pay, at AA/AO and EO grade, industrial relations structures and bullying, harassment, discrimination and victimisation processes.
In education, branches have been more engaged this year with an increase in motions and more delegates attending online. There are significant issues across all education sectors and following a successful consultative ballot, members in the Department for Education will be balloted for strike action starting on 26 May.
The Efra group conference focused on improving structures and support for reps through a framework for employer engagement and a group reps’ handbook. Conference continues to expand the focuses of green bargaining including more specific training and the role of the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP).
The Ministry of Justice group conference heard group president Jackie Green say: “There are serious issues facing our members in the MOJ, we are confident that we can win for our members. We have many new delegates this year and first-time speakers. The energy is positive and our members are engaged.”
There was lively debate on the issues affecting members in Wales in the Wales devolved sector group conference. The group recommitted to cefnogi gweithwyr ledled Cymru, supporting workers across Wales, on pay, terms, conditions and challenging issues on equality, demanding equality impact assessments and support for disabled members.
Read more updates from conference on our dedicated web page. Follow #PCSADC