A major demonstration will take place in Manchester on Sunday, 1 October 2017 on the day that the Conservative Party Conference opens. The demonstration has been called by the People’s Assembly and is supported by all major trade unions including PCS. PCS is calling specifically for a decent pay rise for all and for investment in public services and public sector jobs, the health service, in the education system, for housing, and for jobs and living standards.

Dear Colleague

A major demonstration will take place in Manchester on Sunday, 1 October 2017 on the day that the Conservative Party Conference opens. The demonstration has been called by the People’s Assembly and is supported by all major trade unions including PCS. PCS is calling specifically for a decent pay rise for all and for investment in public services and public sector jobs, the health service, in the education system, for housing, and for jobs and living standards.

The demonstration forms part of PCS’s campaign on pay, and will follow pay day rallies and activities taking place across the country on Friday, 29 September and ahead of the national pay ballot which will begin on 9 October.

Further information about the demonstration is available here:
http://www.thepeoplesassembly.org.uk/manchester2

We are encouraging all branches and members to make every effort to take part, ensuring the PCS contingent are visible and vibrant on the day. This briefing outlines practical arrangements for the day and action required in branches.

Details of the march
Marchers are asked to assemble by 12 noon, at the Castlefield Arena, Rice Street, Manchester M3 4JR. The march is expected to set off at 1:30pm.

At Castlefield there will be three stages with various speakers and entertainment before the march sets off.

A route of the march, including alternative routes, will be available in the lead up to the day of the demonstration.

The PCS form up area will be clearly marked by the PCS inflatable yellow balloon.

Getting there
Transport is being arranged from across the country by People’s Assembly groups – full details are available on the People’s Assembly website here: http://www.thepeoplesassembly.org.uk/manc2_transport This section is live and should be checked regularly.

PCS regional and national offices will also be organising transport where there is sufficient demand. Members and branches are asked to contact their local PCS office to check arrangements and to register interest. Regional PCS office contact information is available here: http://www.pcs.org.uk/en/about_pcs/contact_pcs/pcs_office_locations.cfm

Branches and Regions are asked to encourage members to act as stewards wherever possible. Stewards will need

Branches and regions organising coaches should note the following:

• make sure every coach has a ‘lead organiser’
• the lead organiser should be in communication with the driver in order to locate the coach on pick up
• make sure the lead organiser has the mobile numbers for every person on the coach to communicate location of drop off and pick up
• every person on coach should have contact number of lead organiser & at least one other person on the coach as back up
• try to march together with the rest of your coach on the demonstration

Branch PCS banners
Branches are encouraged to bring branch banners. PCS placards, flags, whistles and so forth will be available from the meet up point on the day. The PCS contingent will be led by the union’s samba band.

Social media
PCS members and branches are asked to invite friends and family by sharing the event on their Facebook pages.

Stewards
PCS will be providing stewards to assist with the running of the march and demonstration and to assist with the distribution of PCS specific materials on the day. to be available at the Castlefield Arena meet up point from 11am on the morning of the demonstration in readiness for a stewards’ briefing. Any members who feel able to assist with stewarding should contact the PCS organising department on organising@pcs.org.uk

Estimating numbers attending
Branches are asked to make an estimate of numbers of members attending the demonstration and forward this information to the national Organising Department at organising@pcs.org.uk

Please send a brief email giving:

• Name of branch
• Estimated number of members attending
• Contact information for ‘lead’ branch officer, including a mobile telephone number.

Summary and action

• Please circulate this briefing to members and encourage members to be part of the demonstration on Sunday, 1 October 2017
• Marchers meet up from 12 noon at the Castlefield Arena on Rice Street in Manchester where there will be speakers and entertainment
• PCS volunteer stewards required, and to meet up from 11am at the Castlefield Arena
• Volunteer stewards should make themselves known by contacting organising@pcs.org.uk
• March moves off from 1:30pm
• Branches to contact PCS regional and national offices to check transport arrangements or check the dedicated transport section of the People’s Assembly website.
• Remember – this demonstration is part of the union’s campaign on pay, with pay day demonstrations taking place on Friday, 29 September and the national pay ballot beginning on Monday, 9 October.

Please help to play your part in making Sunday, 1 October a successful and effective day of protest.

Thanks for your support.

Mark Serwotka Janice Godrich

General Secretary National President