To: Branch Secretaries, Chairs and Organisers
CC: Regional Committee, PCS Liverpool Staff
Date: 17/03/2017
NW/RB/049/17
As discussed at our team meeting, please send this email out to your DWP Networks Regional members / Region asking them to contact their MP.
Fight DWP Office Closures – National Lobby of Parliament
1-4pm Tuesday 28 March House of Commons, Westminster (Public meeting 1pm / Lobby 2-4pm)
PCS has called a National Lobby of Parliament to oppose closures to 10% of DWP offices which the Government have admitted could result in over 750 job losses. PCS has worked with MPs to raise this in Parliament last week and this week. MPs, MSPs, Welsh Assembly Members and the Mayor of London have spoken out on this issue, sharing many of our concerns. Activating members to participate in this lobby will optimise our opposition and our voices. These closures will lead to job losses, reduced support for vulnerable users, disabled people and those with caring responsibilities and will impact on the local economy/community.
- If members have never attended a lobby of Parliament before PCS will provide guidance to help and there will be PCS reps and officials there on the day to give advice and support. Click here for E-Action
Before the Lobby
- Branches should encourage as many people as possible to attend with a view to trying to cover more than one MP constituency if possible
- Attendees should write to their MP in advance of the Lobby to set up appointments. This is the most effective way of getting a meeting to discuss concerns on the day
- Use the E-Action to contact MPs asking them to attend the lobby. It only takes a couple of minutes to use: Click here for E-Action
- Please notify PCS if you are attending and which MP you are lobbying (should be your local MP) so we have an idea of numbers campaigns@pcs.org.uk
At the Lobby
- The Lobby will start with a meeting for PCS reps and members from 1.00pm till 2.00pm in Committee Room 10 in the House of Commons.
- Speakers will include Chris Stephens MP (Chair PCS Parliamentary Group), Debbie Abrahams MP, (Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary) and PCS / DWP group speakers
- After the meeting reps and members will then lobby MPs in the House of Commons central lobby from 2pm till 4pm. If you don’t have an appointment in advance, you can request a meeting with your MP on the day, there is no guarantee you will be able to meet with them. PCS will be on hand to support you with this.
Travel to the Lobby
Branches should seek to find the cheapest possible means of travelling to the lobby. Expenses for thelobby will be paid by the DWP Group. Please contact Leeds@pcs.org.uk
Kind Regards
Phyll Opoku-Gyimah
Head of Political Campaigns and Equality
Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS)
0207 801 2820
Regional Education
For details of regional training courses, as well as information about how to apply, please visit our training in the North West webpage. If you have any queries on education or have any branch training needs then please let us know at NWTUED@pcs.org.uk.
PCS Fylde 