I have been a member of PCS since 2020 when I joined the civil service, and am currently an elected BEC member.

During last year’s Industrial Action, as a representative, I prioritised contacting every member within my large workplace, Benton Park View, to chase down votes, recognising the importance of organising to win the ballot. I also had the honour of being picket supervisor at our picket line outside Newcastle City Job Centre.

For this work, I was put forward and subsequently elected onto the DWP Group Executive Committee.

I have followed this work up before, during and after the successful statutory ballot, again prioritising our branches readiness for ballot, while taking our campaign outside of the branch, arranging for Labour MP, Barry Gardiner to send a video message to all PCS members urging them to vote yes for strike action, and proudly carrying the PCS Northern Region Banner at the GCHQ rally in Cheltenham and representing the union at this wonderful event!

The current cost of living crisis is having a devastating impact on our members and their families. This is why ensuring the current national campaign remains a number one priority is critical for our members. It cannot ever be considered acceptable that our members sit on the minimum wage, have to claim the benefits we pay out, or need help from foodbanks. We are here to help the most vulnerable not be amongst the most vulnerable.

This alongside campaigning for more permanent staff, and against the DWP office closures, have to be the other priorities for our group in the year ahead.

If elected to the GEC, I will do everything within my power to support our members through this difficult period, ensuring workplace stress and unacceptable behaviours are challenged alongside our other priorities.

Support your Union. Support these Left Unity candidates, as I know this is the only way to guarantee PCS remains the fighting Union that you have come to know and rightfully expect from us.

President – Grant

Vice Presidents – Cavanagh,  McDonough, Pope, Shafiq

Assistant Secretaries – Brasier, Burke, Corcoran, Kennedy, McFarlane, McGachey, Morton,

Organiser – Byers

Treasurer – Edwards

Editor – Meller

GEC – Ahmed, Bell, Boucher, Cahill, Camadoo, Getton, Lothian, Mack, McCafferty, McFarlane, Miles, Mulcahy, Perry, Pritchard, Rahman, Revell, Westgarth, Wilson.

Solidarity and Thank You