Equality and the General Election

Jackie Green is chair of PCS national women’s forum. She says:

“As the chair of the Women's Forum, I am reaching out to emphasise the importance of women's participation in elections. Women's suffrage, a hard-won right achieved through decades of struggle and perseverance, symbolises the fight for equality and justice. By exercising their right to vote, women recognise and honour the legacy of those who fought for their freedom and ensure their voices are heard in shaping policies that affect their lives, families, and communities. Voting empowers women to advocate for fair labour practices, equitable pay, and improved working conditions, all of which are central to the aims of PCS. It is through this simple but active political engagement that women can continue to advance their rights and contribute to a more inclusive and representative society.

“Don't waste what Emily Davison, Flora Drummond, Mary Gawhorpe, Annie Kenney, Daisy Parsons, and so many others achieved. Do them proud, make sure you vote on 4 July.”

Mohammed Shafiq, chair of PCS national black members’ committee said:

“This general election is an important opportunity for Black members in our union to exercise their democratic rights by voting and advocating for PCS union policies with candidates. I urge everyone to engage in this election and increase our support as a movement. The next five years are key for our fight for pay, pensions and better terms and conditions and we need strong support in parliament for PCS. Please vote on 4 July.”

Saorsa-Amatheia Tweedale, chair of PCS Proud national committee, representing LGBT+ members says:

“As a community it is vital LGBT+ members take an active and visible role in this general election. Our lives, our very existence, have been politicised by those who wish to deny our sexuality and/or gender identity. Our existence should never be seen as a “reasonable debate” or the flags and symbols we use to represent ourselves be banned as political. Our basic human rights should not be put under threat of removal by advocates of biological reductionism and essentialism, whatever their political affiliation may be. Amidst the rising tide of hate against our community we need to make sure our voices are heard loud and clear, and that those voices of hate and discrimination that rail against us do not get returned to parliament regardless of party.”

Bev Laidlaw, chair of the PCS disabled members' committee, said:

"As the new chair of the PCS disabled members' forum, I want to urge you all to use your voice in the upcoming elections and vote on 4 July. Whoever wins this election and forms the next government we will still have to continue the fight - not just defend our rights, but fight for what we deserve. We demand disability equality pay, an end to departments' discriminatory sickness policies, which see so many of us getting warnings or being threatened with dismissal, and an end to the many barriers we face in the workplace. We need to make sure we all have our voices heard, shout loud about the inequality we face everyday in our workplaces - please vote on 4 July."

Visit our general election page to read essential information about the elections.