J10 and the battle for fair pay

Ofwat, the water industry regulator, with its main office

in Birmingham is set to make more redundancies. Ofwat is
already in the process of making some admin staff redundant,
and if a further 46 posts are removed as is proposed, more
staff will face redundancy. These redundancies come under
the guise of yet another full scale internal reorganisation.
PCS has expressed their concerns on a number of levels.
Andrew Lloyd, PCS Midlands Regional secretary said:
Ofwat have talked to us about these proposed
redundancies but not in a meaningful way and
without giving enough detail for the union to
represent members properly. It appears that the
motive for these job cuts is to spend less on
permanent staff and more on using consultants.

There is no reason for any redundancies. Ofwat
should be looking to save money spent on expensive
consultants and instead invest in its existing staff to
build on their existing knowledge and skills.

These redundancies will add to growing fears that
Ofwat are looking to close its office in Birmingham.
Birmingham, once the head office for Ofwat, is no longer
considered that. There are those that believe ultimately Ofwat
will in future employ very few civil servants and will instead
spend almost its entire budget on consultants.
PCS members have told Ofwat that they have had
enough of this situation and are threatening to raise their
concerns with politicians as well as with the Cabinet office.
OFWAT SEEKING TO MAKE EVEN MORE REDUNDANCIES
Victory in Land Registry
Justice for Palestine
INSIDE

Andrew
Lloyd
PCS Midlands
Regional Secretary

10
th
July Fantastic Response

It is estimated that as many as 10,000 union
members attended demonstrations on the 10
th
July
across the region.

There were demonstrations in at least 10 towns and
cities across the Midlands, the largest being in Birmingham
where both Dave Prentis and Christine Blower, the general
secretaries of Unison and NUT respectively spoke alongside
Chris Baugh our AGS.
The message from all three was that Public sector
workers were not going to accept any more cuts; to their
pay, their pensions, their jobs and the services they
provide.
This message was not only for the current
government but to all political parties with aspirations to
run the country. This message is one that has been
rammed home at every opportunity. This message will
continue to be delivered with more action together with
other unions, and at the TUC Britain needs a pay rise
march in London on Saturday 18
th
October, and for us in
this region at the demo at the Tory conference in
Birmingham on Sunday 28
th
September.
PCS Town and City coordinators have already been
asked to start to build for the two demos. We have to
ensure that the demo at the Tory conference is massive,
we should be seeking to get at least the same number at
this that attended the rallies and demos last week, a small
turnout could send the message that we support the cuts.
I rarely say this but there must be no excuses for pulling
out all the stops to have a massive vibrant march in our
largest city.
Marching and strike action do make a difference, just
look at what has happened at Land Registry, a fantastic
victory against privatisation after an excellent two days
strike. Had the privatisation gone ahead we could have felt
a disproportionate effect in the region, with Land registry
offices in Nottingham, Leicester, Coventry and Telford;
more offices in the Midlands than any other region, so a big
win for PCS and our region.

Andrew Lloyd PCS Midlands Regional secretary

Chair : Sian Ruddick

Vice Chairs:
Clara Harmer
Steve Thorley
Mike Veric
Committee Members:

Martyn Collins
Debbie Elson
Joseph Foster
Mick Mace


Harminder Lothian
Martin Page
Nick Parker
Viv Perkins


Pete Rofe
Dave Vickers
Steve Collington
Midlands Regional Committee 2014/15 elect
Sian Ruddick
PCS Midlands Regional Chair
Sian Speaks Out!
From Dolly Parton to Dave Prentisthats been my
Summer, and I am not ashamed to say that I applauded both
with equal enthusiasm after listening to what they sang and
said.
It was obviously great to be at Glastonbury but it was
equally great to be on the picket lines and at the Birmingham
demo on the 10
th
July, and incredibly enough I needed suntan
lotion for both as well!
Dolly Partons 9 to 5 has given inspiration for womens
rights in the workplace, and Dave Prentiss speech at the
Birmingham Demo gave inspiration to public sector workers
about their rights. What really struck a note in Dave Prentis
speech more than anything was the fact that he said, that if
the government didnt listen then there would be more
action.
Of the other leading speakers, the statistic that stood
out the most and shows the massive disparity between the
rich and public sector workers is the one from Chris Baugh,
our AGS, when he pointed out that, in this year alone the
1000 richest people wealth has grown by 7 billion, enough
to give every public sector worker a pay rise of 2000 a year.
What we have faced of course is not a pay rise but a pay cut,
and in real terms has seen most of us lose 2000.00 over the
last 4 years. We cannot afford for this to continue.
Forthcoming course in the Midlands
- Representing members (advanced personal cases,
negotiation skills and a day visiting tribunal)
2, 9, 10, 23 and 30 September
- New reps (full induction to the union plus and introduction
to personal cases)
21 October plus 4, 11, 18 and 25 November
Geoff Dexter
Regional learning Organiser
The PCS Midlands Region
has just successfully organised
two coursesNothing unusual
there but the recent New Reps
course was a real joy. All 12
participants were from different
departments making it one of
the most diverse courses we
have ran for sometime.
Reps had a fantastic
induction to the union thanks to
the input of professional tutors
from Shrewsbury College and
some one to one time with
Andrew Lloyd our regional
secretary. Particular thanks are
due to our two voluntary lay
tutors Steve Smith and Sandra
Durkin who sacrificed their own
time to make the course the
best possible experience for everyone taking part.
The course took place in the lead up to the J10 strike so
I took the opportunity of doing lunchtime leafleting and
campaigning. Reps put what they had learnt into practice,
taking on real arguments with staff around the attacks on our
pay and conditions and the need to take action.
Sweety, a new rep in the Insolvency Service was
boosted by the support of 4 reps leafleting her members one
lunchtimeit gave her the confidence to hold a picket line for
the first time.
Conscious of the need for constant updates in the
legislation on Health and Safety, we also organised a 3 day
course for existing reps. Many commented it had been some
of the best training they had been on.
Please think now about what courses you and other
reps in your branch need this Autumn and apply to one of
them. Remember I am always happy to visit your branch and
workplace and can devise bespoke training to meet your
needs also.
PCS will nationally be conducting a trade union
education review in the next few months. Every branch will
be surveyed. Please take part to shape our programmes for
years to come.
geoffd@pcs.org.uk | 0121 643 4342
Victory in Land Registry!











Land Registry decision a victory for
staff, professionals and the public
On 14
th
July 2014 the government an-
nounced plans to shelve the privatisation of the
Land Registry (LR). The overwhelming number of
responses to the BIS consultation on the Future
of Land Registry opposed any change in status.
This is a victory for the campaign spear-
headed by PCS, that saw an unprecedented
coalition of trades unions, property industry
professionals (including solicitors, property
search companies and lenders), a former Chief
Land Registrar, members of the public and
politicians.
Over 100,000 people signed a 38 Degrees
petition calling for Land Registry to remain
public, and the vast majority of PCS members
supported a highly successful two day strike to
Keep Land Registry Public on May 14-15.










PCS Solidarity statement on Palestine
Ahead of further demonstrations and rallies calling for an end to the
killing and to the siege of Gaza, the PCS international committee has
issued a statement condemning the Israeli military strikes.
Israels collective punishment of the people of Gaza following the
tragic and deplorable abduction and murder of 3 Israeli teenagers is
untenable and disproportionate.
Palestinian lives are not being treated of equal value, which is
compounded by the world's media, while the discrimination and the
apartheid regime of the Israeli state goes unchallenged.
Unlawful oppression
The oppression of Palestinians in the occupied territories, and
the divisive character of Israel are not only barriers to a peaceful
settlement, but are unlawful, and prolong instability and violence in
the region.
It is time to step up the political pressure to call on the UK
government and the international community to secure lasting
peace through a negotiated settlement, based on mutual respect
and self-determination, on justice for the Palestinians and on
security for Israelis.
The Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories must end,
along with the removal of the separation wall and the illegal
settlements. PCS is campaigning for disinvestment by companies
associated with the occupation, as well as engaged in illegal
settlements and the separation wall.
We urge members and branches to support the fight for
justice for Palestinians; the boycott, divestment and sanctions
campaign; and an end to military assaults.
We support all those campaigning for a just settlement, and
peace in Israel and Palestine.
Get involved
Lobby your MPhttp://act.palestinecampaign.org/lobby/crisisaction
Back the Boycott, Divest and Sanctions Campaign
http://www.palestinecampaign.org/campaign/bds/
This included the Land Registry Offices in
Coventry, Leicester, Nottingham and Telford in
the Midlands Region.
These actions prove that, if Unions
campaign and fight, we can beat privatisation.
These proposals were totally ideological Land
Registry is a well-respected organisation that
underpins the state guarantee of title that
protects the rights of property owners in England
and Wales, valued at 1.3 trillion. Land Registry
returns money to HM Treasury on an annual basis
(98 million in 2013-4) and continually lowers its
charges.
Adding, Tony Conway PCS Land Registry
Official said: This is a great victory for our
members and the public. By any measure,
Land Registry is a success story that rests
upon the dedicated, independent and
impartial Civil Servants that provide great
service to the public. This can only be
guaranteed while it remains a public service.
Tony Conway went on further to say, I
have been asked is this a total victory, I believe
we have only won a battle, not the war. We need
a commitment from Labour that they will not
privatise LR if they win the next election. We also
need to campaign to stop proposals that will
fundamentally change the way that LR delivers its
services, and move responsibility for decisions
affecting property rights away from independent
Civil Servants, to paid representative who may
have a vested interest. These fundamental
changes represent a threat to the integrity of LR
and to the service we provide the public.












This campaign has seen more Land Registry staff
join PCS and gain significant support from MPs,
conveyancers, solicitors and members of the
public has made maximum use of social media
and you tube in getting the message across. The
two day strike was supported by over 90% of PCS
members over 60% of LR staff.
The tenth Women
Chainmakers Festival took place in
Bearmore Park, Cradley Heath on
Friday 6
th
and Saturday 7th June.
The festival kicked off on Friday
night with Sandwell Rock School and
local artists and the rain failed to
dampen interest on Saturday as
hundreds of people came to look at
stalls, listen to speeches and generally
have a good family day out.
Low pay, long hours and the importance
of collective action are principles that
are as relevant today as they were in
1910.
After the commemoration at the
Mary MacArthur Memorial Gardens,
there was a banner procession that took
place along Cradley Heath High Street to
the festival. Local artists performed in
the Left Field Marquee and many local
organisations and trades took up stalls in
the Community Tent which continues to
grow each year.
Over two hundred people
attended a counter protest against the
Nazi Britain First organisation in
Coventry on the 18th July. The protest
was called at short notice by Coventry
Trade Union Council, with full support
from Unite against Fascism and Coventry
against Racism.
Many of those present were from
the city's Muslim population and
attended straight after a Gaza protest
nearby. Others present included
students, pensioners and a wide range
of trade unionists from Unite, Unison,
PCS, NUT and other local unions. The
demonstration was angry but peaceful,
with local people determined not to
allow the fascists a foothold in the city.
Speakers reminded those present that
Britain First hide the fact they are a BNP
splinter group behind populist 'patriotic'
causes on social networks. It was
therefore recognised that the group will
need to be exposed in local trade union
branches, colleges and community
organisations. Speakers also pointed out
that fascists have no answers to the real
problems facing working people around
jobs, housing, education and austerity.
In the end a small bunch of less
than 20 Britain First supporters met at a
local venue, the Royal Warwicks Club,
who had lied to the local TUC that they
were not holding the meeting. This lie
compounded the fact that they were
breaking a pledge they had signed in
2012 not to hold further fascist
meetings, after they had hosted BNP
meetings in the past. A city wide boycott
campaign will now be launched against
the Club in Coventry.

In April, hundreds of local people
attended a Love Music Hate Racism
festival in Dudley town hallan
opportunity to celebrate multicultural-
ism and for the voices of the anti-racist
majority to be heard in the lead up to
the local government elections.
Racists and fascists challenged by unions in
Coventry and Dudley
USEFUL FACTS
In January Oxfam produced the shocking statistic
The richest 85 people had as much wealth as half of the whole
world3.5 billion people!
Since January as our pay, pensions, benefits and standard of living is being
smashed by a government of the rich for the rich, the rich have got richer!
In just 6 months, the figure of 85 people has dropped to just 66
peopleHow many will it be in 6 months time?