Aims – PCS Alliance for Change

The aims of PCS Alliance For Change

The aims of the group shall be to bring together activists and members within PCS R&C Group who are committed to working together to create a Union that always puts the interests of PCS members first:

where we commit to working constructively with all activists, regardless of whether they are in a faction, or not
where equality is genuinely at the heart of everything we do
where reps at every level of the Union feel listened to and respected – and they can rely on both the elected Group Executive Committee and the Union Full Time
Officers to provide them with whatever advice and support they might need when they need it
where challenge is welcomed, and all reps feel they work in a psychologically safe environment. Psychological safety is the belief that you won’t be punished for speaking up, suggesting new ideas or trying something different, or for making mistakes. It forms a key part of helping to create an innovative, supportive, and respectful culture where people can thrive
where we are always open and honest with each other, and our members, no matter how difficult that is
where we acknowledge we can’t do everything, so we continuously review and decide how we should be prioritising our time and resources. This will ensure we are always focusing on the things that matter most to our members
where decisions around the prioritisation of time and resources are communicated to branches and members, providing opportunity for input where we ensure all Union activity is outcome driven. To achieve this, we will ensure all Union activity:
clearly links to the Unions objectives
the expected outcomes and benefits are clearly defined, in specific and measurable terms from the outset
has an agreed approach for evaluation from the outset
evaluation reports are made available to branches and the membership for full transparency

We will ensure organising, bargaining, and campaigning are intrinsically linked.

To achieve this, we will ensure that:

in every workplace, and in every business area, members are represented by workplace reps who work alongside them. This will give members confidence that they have someone they can turn to, who truly understands the job they do and the challenges they face
where reps at every level of the Union have the tools to consult with members ahead of meetings and provide reports back. This will ensure it’s the members who are setting the agenda
activity is centred around the issues that are important to members

We will develop a programme to ensure:

all PCS reps have the knowledge, skills, training, and confidence to carry out their roles as efficiently and effectively as possible
we recruit new reps into every business area and location, ensuring all grades are proportionately represented and reflect the diversity of our membership
we have a succession plan for all positions, at every level of the Union to ensure we are continuously building for the future

To obtain a majority support on the PCS R&C GEC and NEC to achieve these aims

Ensure all directorates within R&C are properly represented in negotiations with management and Reps are properly supported in these negotiations and personal cases

To increase PCS R&C membership and promote trade union activism within the Membership

Where possible, work with other factions, independents, and campaigns. This should be on the basis of improving pay, pensions, terms, and conditions for PCS members as well as the material conditions and power of the working class

To promote the need for industrial action in the membership when negotiations over pay, pensions, terms and conditions break down. Given the current political context, pay Increases will need to be fought for through industrial action. It is highly likely this will remain unchanged even if there is a change of government. It is also true for devolved nations where civil service pay is still set by the UK government

To promote the need for coordinated industrial action across the civil service, with other trade unions across the public sector and beyond. Coordinated action is important to bring maximum pressure onto the bosses and government

To promote political trade unionism. The industrial and political reinforce each other. This is important because the government set civil service pay, pensions, terms, and conditions as well as employment laws for all workers. We also need to coordinate workplace and other campaigns e.g., for housing, transport, public service etc.