The Civil Service Rank & File – a belated post-mortem
Submitted by Phil on Mar 17 2015 14:53
An analysis of the Civil Service Rank & File Network, which emerged in late 2012, and its impact during its brief existence.
Has PCS been outflanked to the left by a bosses’ union?
Submitted by Phil on Oct 21 2013 17:20
A look at two of many attacks faced by workers in HM Revenue & Customs. The contrasting responses from clerical grade union PCS and senior grade union ARC are worth noting, but not for the reason you might guess.
It's time to fight benefit sanctions - with or without PCS
Submitted by Phil on Apr 23 2013 19:43
Tensions between claimants and jobcentre workers over sanctions have been rising for some time. Now, with the Public and Commercial Services union stifling rank-and-file efforts to initiate a non-cooperation campaign, they threaten to boil over into active hostility. How can we avoid this – and resist sanctions?
The need for a labour movement that can defy the law
Submitted by Phil on Apr 5 2013 06:16
The Public and Commercial Services Union has responded to threats of legal action by removing one section of its membership from the strike action due to take place on the 5 and 8 April. This shows the limits of legal trade unionism. It also underlines the urgent need for strong rank-and-file movements in the UK.
The “war on the unions” - its meaning and the response we need
Submitted by Phil on Feb 23 2013 14:49
Stories about the government threatening a “crack down” on trade union power emerge almost on a loop. Particularly in times of heightened class antagonism. But far from showing the unions as threats to society, such threats are a demand that the unions tighten up their role in policing class conflict.
An open letter to rank-and-file education workers from the Civil Service Rank & File Network
Open letter from the Civil Service Rank & File Network to workers in the education industry, following the National Union of Teachers' rejection of strike action on March 13th, calling on them to organise independently of their union bureaucrats.
Civil Service Rank & File Network conference - a report
Submitted by Phil on Feb 3 2013 17:17
On Saturday 2 February, the Civil Service Rank & File (CSRF) Network held its inaugural national conference in Coventry. This is a brief report of the event and analysis of where the group is and should be heading.
A post-mortem on the workplace committee that never was
Submitted by Phil on Jan 14 2013 19:14
A look at my recent experiences organising at work, and in particular how they've been undermined by certain branch officials. How can militant workers respond when rank-and-file action is sabotaged by factionalism and personalities?
Where next in the fight over civil service pay and conditions?
Submitted by Phil on Dec 16 2012 22:55
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union has announced that it will ballot in the new year for renewed industrial action against government attacks on civil servants and public services. But will this really mark a departure from the stagnant campaign we've seen thus far? What can rank-and-file workers do to push away from the prospect of managed defeat?
The beginnings of a rank-and-file rebellion in the Civil Service?
Submitted by Phil on Oct 28 2012 18:49
A look at recent developments within the civil service. The government's latest attacks, the response from both the union and ordinary members, and the prospects of workers taking control of their own struggles.
