Benton Park View sacked reps gain support from across the movement

Chaired by PCS president, Martin Cavanagh, attendees had the opportunity to watch a video contribution from Gordon, Rachel and Joel, our three sacked reps at Benton Park View.

Gordon and Joel also addressed the meeting in person, and thanked members for their continued support, and implored them to do whatever they can to raise the profile of our campaign. 

The national union stands shoulder to shoulder with our reps

We also heard from PCS general secretary, Fran Heathcote, who gave details of what the national union has been doing to support our three reps, including using her first letter to the new PM, Keir Starmer, to raise the case of Gordon, Rachel and Joel. 

“I live in the North East” Fran said, “and PCS here is like a family. I know activists in our region, and across the union, will do everything they can to fight for the reinstatement of our reps who have been treated so unfairly. We have stood with you, and will continue to do so.”

Local Labour MPs support Benton reps

The campaign has attracted support from local MPs, including Mary Glindon, who worked at Benton Park View before her time as a Labour MP, and is a PCS ARMs member. Commenting at the meeting, Mary said: “Clearly Gordon, Rachel and Joel have been excellent reps for HMRC PCS members.

"Their words tonight were powerful and moving.  Their personal testaments place an imperative, on us all, to seek justice for their unfair and unjust treatment, and to continue the campaign until they are back doing the jobs they have carried out with such dedication over the years.

"Thank you, PCS, for all the work you do on behalf of your members.  I am proud to be associated with our union.”

Members – get involved in the campaign

HMRC GEC organiser, Jon-Paul Rosser, used his contribution to encourage members to stand up for their reps who have spent years standing up for Benton Park View staff. He said that:

“When strike action took place at Benton Park View, that branch was acting on behalf of us all. Now we can all return the favour by supporting the branch’s campaign to get the reps reinstated and end rep victimisation.” 

What you can do

All PCS members and supporters of the campaign are encouraged to use the e-action to demand that MPs pressure HMRC on the reinstatement of these reps.