Vote ‘yes’ so we can fight for the best deal
Martin's first column as acting national president talks about the importance of the strike ballot and covers some of the important campaigns within PCS.
As I write, we’re fast approaching the end of our national strike ballot.
I hope those of you eligible to vote have voted. If you haven’t, there’s still time. Vote ‘yes’ to send a strong message to the government that we’re ready to build on the gains we made because of last year’s strike action. Vote ‘yes’ so we can continue our fight to get the best pay deal we can for you, as well as protecting jobs and securing pensions justice.
Last year’s successful strikes showed what we can achieve together, but if you need proof that strike action makes a difference, look no further than The Pensions Regulator in Brighton.
Congratulations to all those who took action and to those on strike at the National Museums in Liverpool. I was privileged to speak at a rally at the Museum of Liverpool alongside TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak. We were impressed by the determination and creativity of the strikers who brought their picket lines to life by dressing up as characters from history.
Museums are an integral part of Liverpool’s cultural identity, but they would be nothing without our members’ hard work and dedication.
I’ve also spoken at two national Palestine Solidarity Campaign demonstrations in London, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Some people have asked why PCS is involved in international matters when, they say, we should be standing up for people closer to home. The truth is we are doing both, as we should. Solidarity has no limits, no borders, and nothing will stop us speaking out against injustice, whether it’s on behalf of Palestinians or on behalf of our members here in the UK.
Congratulations to our former president, Fran Heathcote, on her election as general secretary – the first woman to be elected as our GS.
As former deputy president, I have taken on the role as acting president until our annual conference in May, which I’ll be chairing. It’s an absolute honour to be given this responsibility and I look forward to seeing a number of you there.