Public and Commercial Services Union

PCS has contacted party leaders across the region on this year's pledges. View the 2012 election pledges. The following responses have been received:

Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition party candidate for Central Southsea: Francis Pilling

1. I have marched and lobbied in Portsmouth and London against cuts in public services and jobs. Instead of cutting civil service jobs the government should be investing in more staff to catch the wealthy tax dodgers. There is no need for any cuts in public services. The bankers who caused the financial crisis should have their bonuses cut and the money used to invest in improving public services.
2. Workers in the public and private sector are having their wages cut in real terms while the rich get richer. I have and will continue to actively support any group of workers fighting for decent pay rise. I fully support workers taking strike action over pay and will personally show this support on their picket lines.
3. Privatisation was a disaster for the railways and it will be a disaster for the NHS too. Public services should not be used to make private profits. I think Academy schools are types of outsourcing and should be opposed. Those public services already privatised should be taken back into democratic public ownership.
4. I thought the November 30 Strike over pension was amazing. It showed how strong we all are together and rocked the government. I will be supporting PCS and other unions taking action on 10 May. We need to keep fighting for decent pensions for everyone. No one should have to work longer, pay more or get less pension, apart from the wealthy fat cats!

The Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition says:
“No to Cuts and Privatisation! Make the Bosses Pay!" (www.tusc.org.uk)

It’s about time the people of Portsmouth had a councillor who stands against the cuts and puts the interests of ordinary people before the interests of the billionaires and bankers.

If elected I pledge to be a constant thorn in the side of all politicians who want to cut public services.