PCS Independent Left

PCS Independent Left is a democratic organisation for socialists within the PCS union. We stand for a combative union led by its rank-and-file members.

[PCS Independent Left @PCS_IL]

We are in the same situation as the LU NEC last year. ADC 2025 passed a motion for a campaign and possible ballot in September. Whereas they time wasted and ran no campaign and didn’t ballot, we are, on the other hand, actually obeying ADC 2026, have agreed a campaign and will work towards a ballot in September.

You should see signs of this campaign shortly as we ramp up the comms to members. You will see what the difference there is between a Coalition led NEC and one dominated by the LU.

[PCS Independent Left @PCS_IL]

Achieving fair pay, job security, and genuine flexible working isn’t going to come from polite meetings or rhetorical flourishes — it requires pressure, and that means members being prepared to act. That is why the new NEC is committed to a campaign and a ballot in September (if that is needed).

[PCS Independent Left @PCS_IL]

The strength of our union comes from the bottom up. Regional and town committees—along with branches—should be encouraged to take the reins on local campaigning work, empowered with real resources and decision-making capacity.

We as the national leadership will support that by channelling power down, not hoarding it. Campaigns fuelled by members and activists at every level are the ones that win. We want allow activists to get on with it.

[PCS Independent Left @PCS_IL]

Firstly we can learn lessons from elsewhere. The BMA's transformation into a combative, effective union was no accident. It resulted from the hard work of determined activists with clear aims—boosting membership, popularising demands like full pay restoration, and using that growing strength to take decisive action.

Leadership with vision and a strategy for growth can change a union’s trajectory. LU provided no leadership. Apart from being in charge/ opposing those who want an effective union they have no aim, and certainly no drive.

We are clear that we will implement the ADC motion calling for a national campaign and then a ballot if necessary. The new NEC has started work on that already.

[PCS Independent Left @PCS_IL]

So we have a new President and NEC and this new leadership will have to undertake the dual tasks of a real leadership; to lead, yes, but also to listen.

At the Annual Delegate Conference in May this year, our delegates passed motions to build a national campaign to fight the Government for fair pay and wider terms and conditions changes, with the aim of moving to an industrial action ballot in September.

Our job is to make that campaign a reality; so we have to show leadership but as we run the campaign we have to listen to you.

Only you can tell us whether certain messages are landing, what is the mood on the ground, whether the call for a ballot is making sense etc.

Your role is more than to be an observer though, a passive reporter of what is happening in your branches.

The union has to empower you to lead the campaign in your workplaces. Over the next few days we will discuss how that might happen.

[PCS Independent Left @PCS_IL]

We recognise the low base that the Coalition for Change NEC is inheriting, with the vital need to increase density and build for majorities, and begin the process of longer-term projects like revitalising our trade union culture within PCS.

[PCS Independent Left @PCS_IL]

We fully support the BMA and the strikes. PCS should openly show its support as well.

[The BMA @TheBMA]

Strikes announced. We had hoped a change of leadership at the Department of Health & Social Care would be a chance to reset talks. Instead, there’s been no new fair offer on pay and no concrete commitment on jobs. That’s why resident doctors are taking action. See you on the picket line.

[PCS Independent Left @PCS_IL]

Principal Rule 8 of the union's rule book says “The management and control of the Union, and the handling of its whole affairs, shall be vested in the National Executive Committee ("NEC"). The NEC shall conduct its affairs in accordance with: (a) the Rules of the Union; and (b) the policies determined by Delegate Conference or by membership ballot”.

You would think that is clear enough.

Yet the General Secretary argued when last LU did not have a majority on the NEC that she had legal advice showing, at least in terms of PCS staff, she was wholly in charge.

Not only could she create new grades, recruit new staff, increase the number of senior managers, she could do all this without the say so of the NEC or even informing them of these changes.

What does this legal advice say?

We don't know - as she kept it secret from the NEC. In this, she was aided and abetted by the former President. That is Left Unity for you.

The GS has to be challenged on this by the new NEC. If her legal advice is robust and means it overthrows Principal Rule 8, then it can stand the test of being made public. It can stand the test of being scrutinised.

If it is flimsily, then we need to know.

For you need to know whether you are in a union where you vote in an NEC expecting them to run the union or whether in fact the GS runs it regardless of who the NEC is.

[PCS Independent Left @PCS_IL]

Whilst having to fight the employers, we will also have problems internally.

It looks like the General Secretary cannot accept that LU lost the election and will continue to argue that she has distinct and separate powers to that of the NEC and that the national committee cannot instruct her on matters relating to staffing or, it now seems what messages the union puts out.

So the messages put out by the GS regarding the UK civil service pay remit and the EHRC guidance are not in keeping with the decisions of ADC or what the NEC majority wants.

Tomorrow we shall set out what the rules say and in part what the GS says are her powers.

And before you dismiss all this as a bun fight at the top of the union, it is vitally necessary to have a unity of command in order to ensure a proper campaign around pay, staffing etc.

[PCS Independent Left @PCS_IL]

In the next few days we will set out the challenges and opportunities the union faces over the next 12 months. The good thing though, we have a new President and a non LU NEC. That doesn't guarantee success, but it's a necessary basis for a better Union.

[PCS Independent Left @PCS_IL]

Following our tremendous recent NEC election win, join the Independent Left and the other groups within the Coalition for Change to discuss our plans for the year ahead – and what you can do. 5:30pm, St. Paul's Church, Brighton.

[PCS Independent Left @PCS_IL]

A64 may have been guillotined, but our work supporting Ukraine will continue ✊

[Ukraine Solidarity Campaign 🇺🇦✊🏽🚩 @UkraineSol]

Thanks to @PCS_IL for putting this in their #PCSADC bulletin today. In #PCS as in other unions we have supporters and work across groupings and factions, and all the support is much appreciated.

Good luck for passing motion A64 to reaffirm PCS's Ukraine solidarity policy!

[PCS Independent Left @PCS_IL]

Starting soon, 12;40-1:25pm!

Refounding PCS – Building The Union We Need

Union democracy is in dire straits. We have had no real pay campaign for several years. Members voted for change in the most recent NEC elections – delivering a mandate to the Independent Left and our coalition partners to begin rebuilding a member-led union that acts and wins. But our entire union needs transforming – from the bottom-up. Join us to discuss refounding our union, and the role of you and your branch.

[PCS Independent Left @PCS_IL]

It’s back and it’s better than ever before…

All @pcs_union members are welcome to come to Club Caucus, our legendary ADC social.

£5 on the door, upstairs at The Cricketers, 8pm onwards.

[PCS Independent Left @PCS_IL]

Going to @pcs_union ADC in Brighton?

Join our joint fringe meeting; PCS Against the Far Right, tonight from 6:15 - 7:30pm, Friends Meeting House (Lecture Room).

The far right is on the rise – posing a growing threat to working class people. Trade unions, by and large, have failed to respond – and PCS is no different. Come along to plan building the opposition of the far right within our union, from the grassroots upwards, from political action to counter-demonstrations. Co-hosted with Trade Unions Fighting the Far Right, a new rank-and-file network working to push the labour movement to lead the fight.

[PCS Independent Left @PCS_IL]

"Motion A11 seeks to negotiate with the employer to penalise claimants who use OnlyFans and similar platforms as a form of self-employment. Conference should oppose this and instead support a claimant-led approach of decriminalisation; tackling coercion, improving necessary safeguarding, and addressing poverty without increasing stigma or state control over people’s lives."

https://t.co/bBRQzcuF6p

[PCS Independent Left @PCS_IL]

Just half an hour left to vote for Josh Chown, Guy Brewer and Puck Oseroff-Spicer for the @ukhomeoffice GEC! 🎯

[PCS Independent Left @PCS_IL]

Fi Weldin on why you should vote for her and Rose Baker for the @HMRCgovuk GEC ✊

[PCS Independent Left @PCS_IL]

Four hours left to vote! ⌛

[PCS Independent Left @PCS_IL]

National President-elect Bev Laidlaw on your support, and on the final chance to vote in the DWP Group elections ⏰