| Our national executive met yesterday for the first time since our annual conference to consider the next steps in the national dispute over pay, terms and conditions, jobs and pensions. In line with motion A510 carried at conference, a national day of protest activities will be held on Thursday 27 June – the day after the comprehensive spending review, when more cuts will be announced by chancellor Osborne who continues to pursue his failed policies of austerity. All members will be asked to join a range of activities and meetings at their workplace. The protests should be as large, lively and loud as possible in order to send the Cabinet Office and ministers the message that we demand negotiations on a fair settlement. Rallies and other events in regions and cities will also take place. NEC members and other national speakers will be available. The protests will also launch our summer of consultation as we begin a process of discussion in the union on how to escalate the ongoing industrial action. Every branch in the union will be consulted and all tactics will be considered including action targeted at key parts of the civil service, a national levy to support such action, short disruptive walkouts, and longer term all-member action. The NEC in September will consider the results of the consultation and call the next phase of action unless the employer agrees to a fair settlement. Meanwhile, groups of PCS members will be taking industrial action next week and all PCS members are urged to support their colleagues who are taking their turn to put pressure on the employer to come to a negotiated settlement. On 27 June PCS members will again show their determination to achieve a fair deal and their commitment to the campaign to defend pay, conditions, jobs and pensions from the government’s unnecessary and damaging cuts. |