Skip to main content
If Labour wants to succeed, it must champion workers – starting with its own
There is no stronger economy without the stronger wages that provide extra disposable income, which is why workers – including civil servants – must have their pay boosted in real terms, along with restored union rights and insourcing, says FRAN HEATHCOTE

THIS is the first TUC Congress with a Labour government for 15 years. Every union will be glad to see the back of the last government, which attacked trade union rights and drove down workers’ wages.

But we cannot be complacent. The new government has promised a “painful” Budget in just a few weeks’ time and warned of “tough choices” — which has historically proven to be code for misery to be heaped on working-class people.

The Budget, and the Comprehensive Spending Review that follows, will tell us a lot about the true nature of this Labour government. So far the signs have been mixed.

Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
tototototototdo
More from this author
tototototototdo
Features / 26 March 2025
26 March 2025
Public and Commercial Services union leader FRAN HEATHCOTE warns the Chancellor not to take an axe to the Civil Service – and points to measures that would genuinely improve the public sector
tototototototdo
International Women's Day 2025 / 8 March 2025
8 March 2025
As the government ploughs ahead with £3 billion in welfare cuts, arbitrary office-return mandates, and below-inflation pay rises, women will bear the brunt through deepening poverty and increased caring burdens, argues FRAN HEATHCOTE
tototototototdo
Durham Miners' Gala / 12 July 2024
12 July 2024
As Labour takes power, PCS general secretary FRAN HEATHCOTE urges solidarity to push for workers’ rights and calls for pension justice and job security after years of Tory attacks on civil servants
tototototototdo
Features / 22 May 2024
22 May 2024
The outrageous minimum service levels legislation has been brought in to break the growing momentum of our movement — but these attacks won’t work, writes PCS general secretary FRAN HEATHCOTE
Similar stories
tototototototdo
Features / 26 March 2025
26 March 2025
Public and Commercial Services union leader FRAN HEATHCOTE warns the Chancellor not to take an axe to the Civil Service – and points to measures that would genuinely improve the public sector
tototototototdo
International Women's Day 2025 / 8 March 2025
8 March 2025
As the government ploughs ahead with £3 billion in welfare cuts, arbitrary office-return mandates, and below-inflation pay rises, women will bear the brunt through deepening poverty and increased caring burdens, argues FRAN HEATHCOTE
tototototototdo
Interview / 7 September 2024
7 September 2024
Ahead of TUC Congress, Berny Torre talks to general secretary PAUL NOWAK about the importance of making sure the first Labour government in 15 years delivers on the New Deal For Workers; reform of the broken universal credit system; and the tragedy of migrants drowning in the Channel
tototototototdo
STUC Congress 2024 / 15 April 2024
15 April 2024
Civil Service wages are appallingly low, with our members’ pay unable to keep pace with even just the basics, warns FRAN HEATHCOTE