GCHQ ban anniversary march and rally in Cheltenham

Forty years ago – on 25 January 1984 - Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government attacked trade union rights at GCHQ, banning trade union membership.

After a long and inspirational campaign by trade unionists at GCHQ, the ban was consigned to history in 1997. But the political rationale behind the decision by Thatcher – a hostility to the very existence of trade unions – remains.

The TUC is organising a march and rally in Cheltenham on 27 January 2024 which PCS is supporting.

Join us at Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham to celebrate our history and protest against the government's recent attacks on trade union freedoms.

Alongside musical entertainment from Jess Silk, several high-profile speakers from across the trade union movement, along with many members who were involved in the GCHQ campaign (or their families), are expected to speak at the event.

Mark Serwotka, who retires as general secretary of PCS at the end of January, will give a speech, while PCS president and general secretary-elect Fran Heathcote will compere the rally.

Others speakers include TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak, RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch, TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust, Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham, Fire Brigades Union General Secretary and TUC President Matt Wrack, and Unison General Secretary Christina McAnea.

The march starts at Cheltenham's Montpellier Gardens at noon and ends with a rally in Pittville Park. There will be a small covered area in the park for those who need it.

Find out about coach transport to the rally.