PCS Defence Sector Conference – day two report
After a packed agenda on day one, the second day of group conference debated motions on equality, health and safety and from our reps in the commercial sector.
On day two of our conference, the DSg Westcountry branch moved a motion calling for the department to tackle the problems identified with "Raising our Standards", including moving at a faster pace, training for all managers, consistent application of policy and assurance that complainants are protected from retaliatory action.
Our DSg Yorkshire branch raised a motion calling for better training for managers regarding neurodiversity and the constant barriers faced by our members.
The group executive moved a motion on fatigue assessments which aren’t currently in Occupational Health contracts, and that we should negotiate with the employer to ensure that they are added in.
Motions came in from our commercial sector branches which the GEC will follow through.
Day two also covered motions on organising and also from our young members.
As the only union with full bargaining rights for the MoD Guard Service (MGS), which ensures that only PCS has negotiating rights on pay and terms and conditions, our reps in MGS moved a motion to develop recruitment and organising in this area. The motion was supported by the DSg Scotland and Southwest branches. Conference fully supported the motion
The GEC moved a motion to develop further plans to campaign and have a comprehensive plan in response to Defence Reform. The Strategic Defence Review commits to reducing costs of 10% by 2030, while the Defence Investment plan is likely to see further site closures and relocations as new equipment is brought into service.
The Southwest branch moved a motion from the young members’ network on the impact of the recruitment freeze and the disproportionate impact that this has on bringing young people into defence for the next generation. The motions proposes that the group formalises strategy for young members' issues and support of graduates and apprentices faced with not being taken on as their schemes come to maturity.
A distinguished life membership award was proposed for our much-missed vice president, Rob Bowers, who had to retire during the last year due to ill health. Speeches from the north west, the south west, London and south east and the GEC led to the motion being passed.
Conference closed with activist and young activist of the year being awarded and with the incoming GEC to meet in June to allocate reps to their areas.