PCS: At the HEART of Your Workplace
For Heart Unions Week this year we’re celebrating the key contributions our fantastic reps make for the members they represent and highlighting some of the work PCS is doing to support them
The week, organised by the TUC which runs from next Monday to Sunday (9 to 15 February), is a chance to tell the story about why unions are vital for everyone at work, and encourage people who aren't yet in a union to join.
We’re using HEART as an acronym to show some of the work activists are involved with and focus on some of the activities our members and potential members can join in with. In a series of articles during Heart Unions Week we will look at each letter in-depth and hear from reps about their great work. Please let us know how your local rep has helped you and they could appear on the PCS website and social media. Email [email protected]
H is for human interaction and hearing members
Human interaction and engagement are critical to our union. You may see bots online that say they can provide answers to your problems at work, but wouldn't you rather speak with a friendly human? Hearing what matters to members and acting on it collectively.
E is for... Equality, which is at the heart of everything we do and we're keen for members to get involved in our new short-course training on difficult conversations and also join an equality network where you are.
A is for... Advocates
PCS Advocates aren’t reps. As an advocate, you can play a more informal role where you can do as much or as little as you feel able to. Full training and support is available for the role, and the work that advocates do is invaluable. Speak to your local rep for more details.
R is for... Reps, who are the life blood of PCS.
As well as doing the basic tasks of recruiting new members and promoting PCS, our representatives also represent members, meet with managers and are responsible for the day-to-day running of PCS campaigns in workplaces.
T is for... Training
Brush up your skills and increase your knowledge on a wide range of courses offered through PCS. The PCS Academy offers a range of courses and bite-sized learning sessions, including the new difficult conversations training. For upcoming PCS trade union education training programmes for reps, plus a range of shorter national courses for members, see the course listings page.