PCS policy alternatives front and centre at Labour Party conference

Labour party conference has ended after several days of debate and speeches marking another year of Labour in power. Despite conference being light on actual policy announcements, PCS once again made positive contributions at numerous meetings and fringe events during the course of the week, focusing on our alternative policy documents - tax justice, social security and safe routes.

 

PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote spoke at numerous events throughout the week, including fringes with Morning Star, Stand up to Racism, the Trade Union Coordinating Group and the Socialist Campaign Group. Fran also met with former employment rights minister Justin Madders MP as well as local MPs Ian Byrne and Kim Johnson. During each meeting it became clear that the key focus for campaigners and the trade union movement is the rise of Reform and the growing agitation amongst the working classes for an alternative economic direction to see real time improvement in their lives. Fran used many of her contributions to highlight PCS's vital work on key policy areas which she urged the government to adopt ahead of the 26 November budget, in order to restore faith and trust across UK communities. 

 

Fran also spoke of the incredible support and solidarity shown by PCS members across the UK in the face of a rising wave of far right activity in our communities. Highlighting last weekend's demo in Newcastle, Fran spoke of how proud she was of PCS and its activists, showing racists that they are not welcome in our communities and that we will remain at the forefront of these campaigns both physically and through our ARAF strategy developing education and training for members.

 

PCS also attended meetings within the conference zone on many issues including tax, safe routes, Palestine and devolution, linking up with numerous campaigning organisations and unions to build support and recognition for our campaigns. 

 

Although PCS is a non-affiliated union, with Labour in power it is vital that the union has a presence at its annual conference, to promote the union's national and group campaigning objectives as well as continuing to build relationships across government. None of this would be possible without our political fund.

 

 

Join our lunch and learn ballot launch event at 1pm on 6 October.

 

Vote YES, vote to retain, vote to campaign!