In autumn 2023, over 100 PCS activists in HMRC came together over shared concerns about the direction our Union is going in. This included Group Executive Committee (GEC) members and reps from all over UK. We include members from most branches and represent a broad range of backgrounds, grades and experiences.
We tried to bring about change in a constructive way, over a long period of time. We submitted motions highlighting the issues and proposals on how we can go about resolving these issues. Some of us on the GEC submitted detailed papers, held meetings, and sent emails to the Union Leadership. Even when motions and papers were agreed at the relevant committees, little or no progress was made. That’s because the only people who are in a position to take action are choosing not to do so.
Many of us signed a statement setting out examples of how PCS was no longer following the principles that it is supposed to rest upon. For example, General Secretary Fran Heathcote abusing the position she held as President to try and prevent a motion being heard at Annual Delegate Conference 2023. This statement served a purpose in bringing the issues to light, but those in leadership roles in the Union continued to deflect attention from the issues raised. The full statement we published and the exchanges that followed can be found by visiting https://pcsrandcreps.wordpress.com/
Having set events in motion, we recognise the need to continue to work together to create the change in PCS we need to see. In January 2024 we agreed to form the PCS Alliance for Change.
PCS Alliance for Change is for changing our Union from branches up to the National Executive Committee. We’re committed to reviewing how we operate to ensure effective use of your Union subscriptions. We will develop a programme to ensure all PCS reps have the support needed to carry out all aspects of their roles. We’ll recruit new reps to ensure every business area and location has effective representation from the union; whilst also ensuring all grades are properly represented and reflect the diversity of our membership.
The role of a Union rep is hard work but very rewarding. We do it because we want to support our colleagues and improve the working lives of our members. We know we make such a difference through representing members both in personal cases and collectively. This is in spite of the barriers put in our way by the leadership of this Union.
We welcome PCS members in HMRC who want to achieve change to join with us. Together we will create a Union that again acts in the best interests of members and delivers the value for money our members deserve for their subscriptions.
PCS Alliance for Change 