At this week’s NEC, a member of the Broad Left Network astonished members by calling for PCS to affiliate to the Labour Party now in order to ‘change it from within’.

This faction was set up by the sectarian Socialist Party, which has run a vicious campaign of division within PCS and which has boasted that they intend to ‘tear down the lot’ if their preferred candidates do not get the positions that they demand.

The Socialist Party are in an unprincipled alliance with the Independent Left, which is dominated by the Alliance For Workers’ Liberty, which has a long-standing commitment to Labour Party Affiliation. The fact the Socialist Party, which does not support affiliation to Labour, and in fact, runs its own electoral organisation – TUSC – is prepared to press this demand within PCS, is scandalous, but also shows how far they have stooped.

Left Unity, and previous general secretary, Mark Serwotka, with the full backing of activists and members, developed the union’s political representation policies, through years of consultation, which included a national members’ ballot – the Left Unity NEC established the Political Fund, set up parliamentary groups in Westminster, Scotland and Wales, and worked with politicians across the board in Northern Ireland.

PCS’s political strategy has been based on the central principle that all its political campaigning starts from the basis that it must relate to the union’s campaign to protect jobs, conditions and services.

PCS has worked on the basis of being political, not party-political.

It is shocking that BLN has taken this position. Starmer’s Labour Party is committed to cuts and privatisation – just like the Tories.

While we want to see an end to the Tory Government, PCS Left Unity, the true socialist organisation within PCS, will never do what BLN and the Independent Left propose – get into bed with the Labour Party, by affiliating to them – something that we are confident has no support amongst members.

What is at stake?

Left Unity has repeatedly warned of the divisive behaviour of the BLN. Its personalised methods of disrupting, rather than building unity, has nothing to do with ‘socialism’ as they claim. The fact they support calls for a cosy relationship with Keir Starmer is a new low.

We have predicted sectarianism – which they represent – is a giant step towards the re-emergence of an organised right wing in PCS. Early signs of this are apparent already in the HMRC where the candidate set up to challenge the existing group president claims he isn’t really standing against her, they just want rid of Left Unity.

This call now for Labour Party affiliation, is evidence of the dangerous role they are playing, and is happening at the same time they have opposed moving to a statutory ballot to win better pay for members.

Left Unity don’t play games with members’ pay, terms and conditions. The issues at stake are too serious. When the PCS elections begin, and you have a choice to make about who represents you, vote for a leadership that doesn’t play games. Support the Democracy Alliance candidates – for a leadership that works for you.