Guest speakers

We have arranged the following guest speakers for the next two all-members meetings:

• Thursday 28 January 2016. Peter Wilson of Merseyside CND to discuss Trident.
• Thursday 24 March 2016. Our AGM, with Chris Baugh, PCS Assistant General Secretary.

As usual, these meetings will take place at:

PCS NW Regional Centre, 3rd floor, Jack Jones House, Islington, Liverpool, L3 8EG.

All ARMS members welcome.

The email address for any queries is: pcsmerseyarms@hotmail.com

NATS sell-off a security risk

PCS has grave concerns over the security of our skies as the chancellor, in the spending review, resurrected plans to sell off the government's share in the National Air Traffic Service.

Recent speculation over the sell-off of NATS, the UK's main air navigation service provider, became a reality when George Osborne announced that the government is going to explore the sale of its 49% shareholding in NATS in his autumn statement and spending review on Wednesday.

In 2011, the debate over such controversial plans was eventually shut down following outcry at the prospect of the UK losing control of its own airspace, potentially to an overseas owner. Both PCS and our sister union Prospect argued that a full sale would lead to greater instability with an increased emphasis on profit and short term dividends coming into conflict with NATS safety and other duties.

PCS NATS section president Jacqui Nicholls said: "If ever there was a case against the privatisation of a vital public service, it is NATS.

"Running control of the airspace for profit is a very big threat to safety and security. PCS’ NATS section will now be looking to meet in early January to relaunch our campaign to stop the sale of our skies."

From the PCS website.

Don't Bomb Syria - petition & demo

Lobby your MP to vote against UK military action in Syria. Click here.

There will be a vigil and leafleting session to support Stop the War's Don't Bomb Syria campaign in Church Street (by Primark) in Liverpool city centre at 11.00 am Saturday 28 November. 

Please come and show support.

Merseyside ARMS motions

The following resolutions were passed unopposed by the PCS ARMS Merseyside Group Committee held on Friday 27 November 2015.

1. Jeremy Corbyn and Syria

Merseyside Arms Group Committee condemns the terrorism of Isis but history shows, particularly the Iraq invasion, that military intervention serves to worsen an already appalling situation and cannot create a sustainable solution. Support should be given to those forces who stand for peace, socialism and democracy within Syria. Therefore, we support Jeremy Corbyn whose refusal to back armed intervention against Syria reflects the wishes of the thousands who backed him as leader, and we condemn the Tories and their warmongering agencies of the media and Labour MPs who constantly attack him.

We call on the PCS NEC to declare their support for the stand adopted by Jeremy Corbyn.

2. Tory spending plans

We condemn the latest government cuts contained in the last budget statement. Far from it being a give-away budget as depicted by sections of the media, it proposes a continuation of endless austerity while those responsible for the financial crash continue to enrich themselves. We also condemn the proposed closure of offices of the HMRC which not only affects our members’ jobs and security but also diminishes the ability of government agencies to collect the massive amounts of tax avoided by the national and international tax dodgers.

We call on the PCS NEC to reaffirm its opposition to austerity and the crazed policy of privatisation being perpetrated by this government.

Union action updates

• MOD: nearly 1 in 3 civilian staff to lose jobs under defence review - more info.
• HMRC: sign the petition to oppose HMRC office closures - more info.
• HMRC Bootle: have a look at the PCS HMRC Bootle Facebook page.
• Land Registry: Government trying to sell it off again - more info and petition.
• DVSA: driving examiners strike to escalate - more info.
• Hovis closure: statement by BFAWU (Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union).
• NHS: provisional dates for junior doctors' strikes are Tue 1 Dec & Wed 16 Dec.

Members benefits news

The PCS free legal helpline

The PCS free legal helpline gives you immediate access to legal advice from one of the UK’s largest law firms, Slater and Gordon.

With more than 90 years’ experience, the firm’s reputation is built on the range of expertise offered by its partners and staff and its mission is to give people, including PCS members, easier access to world class legal services. What advice is available?

• Family law 
• Consumer law
• Criminal law 
• Probate matters 
• Neighbour disputes 
• Other legal matters (apart from employment or personal injury). 

Who can use this service? PCS members, their spouse, partner and dependent children. CALL 0800 916 9066 (service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year).

Save up to 55%* off your pet policy

We know your pets are like family, that’s why pet-insurance.co.uk offers hassle-free insurance that looks out for you and your loved one.

We’re proud to help pet owners secure that little extra peace of mind, so you and your best friend can look forward to the future.

Benefits include up to £4,000 in vet fees and £1.5 million public liability. With introductory and multi-pet policy discounts you could save up to 55% with cover levels starting from as little as £6.55† for dogs and £3.37† for cats, helping you cut the costs in protecting your pet.

Visit our website or give our friendly team a call on 03300 243 877.

Celebrating resilience

An exhibition organised by PCS National Gallery strikers

One year on from our last exhibition, and after 111 days of strike action, PCS National Gallery strikers have organised a new exhibition with the theme RESILIENCE. The exhibition at PCS HQ Clapham will feature work by PCS members responding to the strike, as well as pieces by campaign supporters, plus art works, banners and posters made during the strike.

Exhibition opens: Wednesday 11th November at 6.30pm in PCS HQ Clapham. Join us for an evening to celebrate our successes and our resilience

Event details on Facebook - click here.

Exhibition opening times: 12th to 22nd November, on Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm.

Venue: PCS HQ Clapham, 160 Falcon Road, London, SW11 2LN.

Directions: the PCS office is next to Clapham Junction station reached by trains every few minutes from Waterloo and Victoria.

Political Fund Ballot

ARMS members: it's nearly the deadline. Make sure you return your vote. For more info, click here.