Industrial dispute attracts new members

The PCS civil service union’s industrial dispute has reportedly resulted in members joining the union at a faster rate than previously and more getting involved in union activity.

The union says membership grew more rapidly in the last four months of 2022 than during the rest of that year, coinciding with the opening of its first ballot for industrial action in September and the start of targeted strike action in December. Overall in 2022, 30,758 new members joined, increasing the total by 4.3%.

In all groups where members were asked to take targeted strike action there were between 25% and 50% more new joiners in November 2022 than in their previous highest joiner month.

Looking at the most recent six months, large numbers have signed up in the departments taking action, including 4,379 in the Home Office and 1,503 in the Department for Transport.

The union also reported increased numbers of members taking on roles such as reps or PCS advocates.