How to make your voice heard in PCS

Over the past few years there has been more industrial action in the UK than at any time since the 1980s. Organised pay disputes have won great concessions for workers across almost every sector, including in PCS where the 2023/24 pay award was more than doubled in response to our campaign of sustained, targeted action. Unions are, once again, always in the headlines.

Many PCS members will have seen the value that organised trade union campaigning can bring to their livelihoods and will be wondering what more they can do to be involved in their union. With all that’s going on, there’s never been a better time to become more active in PCS, particularly as we head into the new year.

The first way members can become involved is to vote in the elections for our general secretary and assistant general secretary before 14 December.

Secondly, local branches will be holding their annual general meetings (AGMs) early in 2024. AGMs are an excellent opportunity to meet with your branch executive committee and to discuss the branch’s priorities in the forthcoming year. Branches rely on member engagement to make them aware of the issues affecting members “on the shopfloor” and AGMs provide the perfect forum for discussion.

If there is a particularly important issue you would like your reps to focus on, you may want to submit a motion ahead of the AGM. Motions provide instructions that your branch, the Home Office group or the national executive committee have to follow if your motion passes the vote.

Finally, if you really want to become more involved in PCS you can consider putting yourself forward to become a rep or an advocate at your AGM. It can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Don’t hesitate to contact your local branch officers if you’re interested!