Public and Commercial Services Union
From Free net encyclopedia
Image:PSC members on strike.jpg The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) is a large trade union in the United Kingdom. Most of its members work in junior positions in government departments and public bodies, although some work in information technology for private companies.
The union has over 320,000 members and is the largest trade union representing Civil Servants in the UK. PCS is the fastest growing union in the UK, at a time when union membership is generally on the decline. Its current general secretary is Mark Serwotka. Unlike most major unions, PCS is not affiliated to the Labour Party.
In November 2004, PCS workers in across government undertook a one day strike in protest against government plans to cut the Civil Service by 20%. This was the biggest strike of it kind in a generation, with well over 200,000 taking part.
In March 2005, a threatend strike against detrimental changes to pension conditions was called off at the last moment when the government agreed to re-enter negotiations. This strike action, which was supported by other public sector unions was forcast to include over 1.2 million workers.