The Price of Everything...
Jane Aitchison, who was re-elected as the DWP Group President, started things off by thanking reps and members for their hardwork and dedication, especially on the 24th April when the overwhelming majority of members supported the strike action.
Jane criticised the imposed pay "deal" for PCS staff, which leaves the majority of staff with a pay cut due to the rate of inflation and many long serving staff with a 0% pay rise. The claim that there simply isn't enough money was put into focus when she gave examples of some of the things DWP has found the money for. They included personal grooming courses for Senior Managers at a cost of £967 per person, pay rises of between 6.5% & 7.6% for senior managers and (my favourite) Jobcentre Plus mirrors for the long term unemployed. Customers are advised to use the mirrors to:
- Practice smiling in
- Check that they don't have somrthing in between their teeth before an interview
- And to look into whilst repeating five times "I am a tiger"!
Pay Campaign
One of the biggest debates was around the tactics for the continuing pay campaign. The Group Executive proposed continuing with a similar strategy, with consideration for targeted action and action short of a strike, whilst ensuring members were regularly consulted.
Some branches felt the current stategy wasn't working. They proposed selective action. In other words, "key parts" of the business (for example Benefit Processing Centres) could go out on long term strike action. They argued that extra funds should be raised by putting a levy on all members and this could be used to help those involved in the selective action.
However the overwhelming majority of delegates voted with the GEC, feeling that selective action forced a minority of members to fight the campaign on behalf of the majority.
Local Pensions & CSA
Other motions were also passed on the first day committing PCS to fight for staff transferring from CSA to CMEC and ensure they maintain their civil service status, as well as a concerted campaign to ensure adequate staffing levels for in Local Pension Service.
Life Membership
Day One ended with the decision to award Distinguished Life Membership to retired reps who have done so much for PCS and it's predecessor union. We were especially pleased to hear that Ralph Baxter was amongst those included.
Domestic Violence
This is a subject which I have felt passionate about for many years. It has always shocked and saddened me how many of my close friends have been affected by this issue. I was pleased to speak on motion A118 which called for DWP to develop a coherent policy allowing special paid leave to those victims who face the trauma of attacks and their aftermath. The motion was overwhelmingly passed.
