Join trade unionists from across the movement at GCHQ march

The historic event in Cheltenham commemorating the 40th anniversary of the ban on trade unions at GCHQ will hear speeches from trade union leaders including PCS's Mark Serwotka, the RMT's Mick Lynch, Unite's Sharon Graham and the TUC's Paul Nowak.

Announced at the TUC special congress in London in December, this joint PCS/TUC march and rally will take place through Cheltenham on 27 January to mark the 40th anniversary of the ban on trade union membership at GCHQ.

PCS is still looking for members to volunteer to steward at this historic PCS-TUC event, which is expected to attract trade unionists from across the UK. Members can register their interest in becoming a steward at the event using our sign-up form.

If you are not interested in helping to steward the event, you are still encouraged to attend. Please register your attendance for the event with the TUC as soon as possible.

Alongside musical entertainment from Jess Silk, several high-profile speakers from across the trade union movement, along with many members who were involved (or their families), are expected to speak at the event.

Mark Serwotka, who retires as general secretary of PCS at the end of January, will give a speech, while PCS president and general secretary-elect Fran Heathcote will compere the rally.

Among those who have already been confirmed to speak from the wider movement are:

  • TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak;  
  • RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch;  
  • TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust;  
  • Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham;  
  • Fire Brigades Union General Secretary and TUC President Matt Wrack;  
  • National Education Union General Secretary Daniel Kebede;  
  • NASUWT General Secretary Patrick Roach;  
  • University College Union General Secretary Jo Grady; 
  • Royal College of Midwives general Secretary Gill Walton;  
  • European Trade Union Confederation General Secretary Esther Lynch;  
  • FDA President Tony Wallace;  
  • Prospect General Secretary Mike Clancy;  
  • Aslef General Secretary Mick Whelan; and  
  • Unison General Secretary Christina McAnea. 

There will also be speakers at the rally representing sectors that will be affected by the minimum services legislation which threatens to strip the right to strike from thousands of our members in the Home Office.

The march is planned to start at Cheltenham's Montpellier Gardens at noon and end with a rally in Pittville Park. There will be a small covered area in the park for those who need it.

Coaches are being provided to take members to the march on 27 January. Please contact the organisers of the transport for details of pick-up times and locations as they are subject to change/confirmation.

You can book the tickets through the links provided and claim the cost back from PCS.