I work in the Croydon Regional Centre as a band O compliance officer.  I’m currently the branch organiser, assistant branch secretary, a H & S rep, ISBC SE BTUS rep and a personal caseworker. I have been an active PCS trade union member since the late 90s and a rep and activist for 7 years. 

Civil Servants were being praised for keeping the UK functioning during the pandemic.  That is not ancient history.  Now, below inflation pay offers mean that our members have quickly been forgotten.  It is why we campaigned for better pay and other conditions last year.  As branch organiser, along with others, I helped Croydon reach a historically high turnout of over 52% for a mandate to take Industrial Action, including strike action.  Picket lines and demonstrations on the strike days were well attended and contributed to the increasing offer made. 

Moving forward, we need to continue this campaign and fight for meaningful increases to our pay and conditions.  We need to be prepared to take further action in defence of our rights. 

Because it is not just about pay; Anti-Trade Union legislation in the form of the minimum service levels requirements has to be countered.  I attended a recent demonstration in Cheltenham to mark the appalling treatment of Civil Servants and their rights to join a Trade Union, at GCHQ back in the 1980s.  This was just one of the many attacks on the Trade Union movement perpetrated over the years.  The Anti-Trade Union agenda was as clear then as it is now. 

The Croydon branch is also active locally in the Croydon Trade Union movement.  This includes PCS colleagues at other government departments, such as the Home Office, as well the Croydon Trade Union Council.  We took action in support of our GMB colleagues at Croydon University Hospital at a rally and demonstration just recently.  Solidarity is important and sends the right message; together we are stronger. 

I have been a socialist, feminist, gay rights, anti-racist activist for 45 years and I’m a member of Left Unity.  Please use your vote in the GEC elections, for which I am standing.  Please vote for the Left Unity candidates.