Pioneering women created today's trade union movement
New PCS general secretary FRAN HEATHCOTE talks about the women who reshaped the cause of labour
The welcome news that Cuba has finally been removed from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list is tempered by the fact that Donald Trump, the man who put it there, is returning to the White House, warns NATASHA HICKMAN
Thanks to impressive progress in Britain with wind and solar generation, clean electricity now costs a fraction of the price of gas — yet the current system keeps bills artificially high to protect fossil fuels, writes TOM HARDY
By spreading race-based conspiracy theories, the billionaire tycoon turned right-wing provocateur has been seriously undermining the case against those who really did let victims of the grooming gangs down, writes SOLOMON HUGHES
Many Western countries are grappling with deep political instability. What are the causes of this, and what could be a possible way forward? asks MARC VANDEPITTE
KEITH BENNETT explains why, despite its present meagre economic outcomes, an honest and fruitful partnership with China is worth pursuing
Nick Wright talks to photographer and author JANINA STRUK
SINCE becoming PCS general secretary in February, I have travelled the country speaking at PCS branch AGMs, Stop the War and Palestine solidarity rallies almost every day.
As we mark International Women’s Day, I can say that one of the biggest honours so far was to address the Women Against Pit Closures 40th anniversary event last Saturday in Durham. As a proud feminist and trade unionist, I was humbled to pay tribute to one of the most inspiring working-class movements of our lifetimes.
I wouldn’t be the first woman general secretary of PCS were it not for feminist working-class heroes of 40 years ago who, against insurmountable odds, stood up for their class.
More from this author
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
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
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
PCS leader FRAN HEATHCOTE draws the parallels between a major trade union rights battle 40 years ago and the fight we have ahead of us today
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