I have been an active member of the civil service union since 1991 and chair of the PCS Office of Government Commerce Branch since 2002. I have lived in Norwich for this period and am involved in many organisations including being Chair of the Norwich and Districts Trades Union Council. I fully support the campaigning approach of the union and the increased consultation with members such as through the local forums. The union has done much to strengthen activity both at a local and national level and action this has attracted new members to the union. The ongoing undermining of our pensions and working conditions reflect an ongoing ‘drive to the bottom’ for workers’ terms and conditions which trade unions have spent years arguing for and defending. We need to increase our links with other unions and campaigns such as the ‘Keep the NHS Public’ to ensure we strengthen our negotiating arm and resist further privatisation of our services.

I am involved in regional activity, such as the annual Burston School Strke Rally due to take place on 2nd September 2007, Tony Benn is one of the speakers as well as other leading Trade Unionists. Saturday 6th May is the date of the Ipswich May Day Rally - PCS plan to have a presence at this event.

There are also moves to try and organise a Norwich pride event and a Fighting Trades Union Conference - contact me if you are interested in either of these events.