PCS rules and democracy under threat

The reason for this is simple – the faction wants to give themselves more power but they have no democratic mandate from members to do so.

PCS’s rules and procedures are crucial to our democracy and governance. They exist, in part, to protect our members’ general interests from being overwhelmed by the agendas of organised factions.

NEC Procedures

The national executive committee (NEC) adopts its procedures for conducting business, known as its standing orders, as the first item of business at its first meeting after the elections.

Standing Order 12.1 states: “The Standing Orders in existence will be used to convene the first post election meeting of the NEC.”

Standing Order 12.2: “Adoption of these Standing Orders, or changes to the Standing Orders will be the first item of business for the NEC at its first post– election meeting and if agreed, will take effect immediately. A two-thirds majority of the votes cast will be required.”

Discussions with the national president

In the run up to the NEC meeting yesterday, the national president declared an intention to abandon procedure and overturn standing orders by simple majority.

The general secretary directed the president to the union’s rules and procedures and to the clear and specific advice from the union’s lawyers that the existing standing orders must be adopted for NEC business to proceed. That cut no ice. 

In an attempt to find a constructive way forward, the general secretary tried to reach agreement on a revised set of standing orders to no avail.

The faction supporting the president was proposing extraordinary and sweeping changes to the union’s governance and procedure for which they have no mandate from members. Many of these contravene the union’s rules, cut across staff contractual provisions, existing democratic bodies and potentially risk litigation against the union, especially on equality considerations.

NEC meeting 

At the NEC meeting yesterday (11), the national president attempted to rule that the existing standing orders did not bind the NEC.

Our legal advice is clear: that is not within the union’s rules. It is an attempt to break them.

Without an adoption of the existing standing orders, there is no basis on which NEC business can democratically or lawfully proceed. The meeting concluded in deadlock. 

General secretary’s commitment

As PCS’s elected general secretary, Fran Heathcote has democratic, legal and moral obligations to ensure that the union’s rules, democracy and governance arrangements are upheld. 

Fran will be guided by Principal Rule 1(a) of the PCS Rules: that the Union's Objects shall be to protect and promote the interests of its members.

Fran will continue to push for a solution that abides by the union’s rules, democracy and governance arrangements.

In the meantime, members can be assured that the union’s day to day business continues to run, and the general secretary will continue supporting them, working with PCS reps and members at all levels to ensure our campaigning objectives on issues such as pay, jobs, and terms and conditions remain the priority.