PCS National President Martin Cavanagh, the Left Unity (LU) co-leader, titled his latest web article, “Budget threat is clear – we will keep fighting.”

The Independent Left (IL) agrees we are fighting, but only at a local level. Nationally, LU has chosen a strategy of calculated retreat. They have deliberately disarmed our union by refusing to run a national pay and job security campaign and, crucially, refusing to ballot members on these critical issues.

Mr. Cavanagh says that PCS is “working to secure an agreement with the employer on pay restoration, job security and better access to more flexible ways of working.” He argues that departments cannot recruit or retain staff without fixing pay, a reality he claims the Cabinet Office (CO) acknowledges in their recognition of the need for a new ‘reward strategy.’

He then notes “It is increasingly clear that jobs are under threat… we are clear we need more staff, not fewer.” Finally, he observes that “jobs, pay and the services you provide are all under threat of further cuts as the budget approaches in November.”

Contradiction

The President claims the CO knows they need a new pay strategy (the good news), but also that pay is “under threat” as the Budget nears (the bad news). Since the Chancellor controls the money and is vastly more powerful than the CO, the pay tug-of-war has an obvious winner.

LU may be “working” for an agreement, but they have abandoned the only leverage we have: the threat of national action. Why would the employer concede anything without that threat?

Job Security: A Conspicuous Omission

Mr. Cavanagh mentions the Cabinet Office’s acknowledgment of a new pay strategy, but he conspicuously fails to say whether they acknowledge the need for a new job security agreement. Since LU would certainly mention it if the Cabinet Office had, we assume they have not.

So what is LU’s plan for job protection? What pressure will they apply?

Our Alternative: Prepare to Fight

The Independent Left sees the severe political and economic climate as demanding a genuine fight, not polite lobbying.

We argue that PCS must immediately restart preparations for an industrial action campaign. Given the time LU has wasted, we need a proper run-up before a statutory ballot can succeed. Therefore, the Independent Left urges PCS to work toward preparing for a national ballot in 2026 for all UK civil service members, covering pay, terms, conditions, and, importantly, job security.

We need a fighting, member-led union—not one that gives up its power before negotiating. If you agree it’s time to stop hoping and start preparing to fight, please join us: https://pcsindependentleft.com/join-us/