The attempt by former General Secretary of the PCS May.
The Barry Reamsbottom and his Moderate grouping to preMark socialist successor, from taking office is a serious attack all trade unionists.
The of Blairite Reamsbottom and his cronies has led to a situation who is General Secretary of the Union not PCS memIn October 2000 Mark Serwotka was elected PCS Mark 42,000 votes in a postal ballot. However due to an agree ment berween Reamsbottom and the Union, Serwotka was only to take over all the General Secretaries duties So far when Reamsbottom should have Unfortunately bership Reamsbottom refused to go quicus, claiming he had a stating Serwotka's election was illeTony position until 2004. His supNational Executive Committee claim to have removed Serwotka and reimposed Reamsbottom policies. al a mcclink at tae cha or President of the Union. Tanice Godrich. ruled this meeting was unconstitu- seem to be tional as notice of it was not properly served. In order to defend the democracy of the Godrich Serwotka have taken these Workers Union. issues to court.
favourite that Serwotka should remain General Secretary elect until a full bearing in July and that both sides should neering have their court costs paid by the Union.
Serwotka is viewed by the press as one of a 'dan- union leaders. gerous' breed of new union leaders, perceived as willing to take on the government him: they and represent their members' interests.
Serwotka's leader. ship has been instrumental Wishes eac in leading to a growing memand growing mili- the PCS fancy in tac union. openly a supporter of the So far According Serwotka Blair was 'delighted with Keamsbottom's coup. Blair needs right wing union Icaders to quell growing discontent over his Thatcherite grouping in PCS) for New taci taure to galvanise suptheir attempts to port for Mark in his clection interfere in the internal poli- id, have now taken him to Anons conor their heart and are mounting a vigorous campaign in his at present. A Blairite candi defence. Even date recently lost the election Lanning, his defeated oppofor Deputy General Secretary nent for General Secretary is The attack on Serwotka is a Meanwhile New Labour's symptom of the weaknesses Balon General of Left Unity. Reamsbottom Secretary, Ken Jackson is fac- was encouraged ing a touch fight to retain control of amicus, the engi- Moderates allies in elections and white collar to the National commitice, on Support for Serwotka has turnout. come from many of the leftist Left Unity's dismal NEC Bob Crow of should the RMT and Billy Hayes of blamed on their poor runthe CWU have both backed ning of the jobcentreplus recognise the screens campaign through Blairites in the PCS cannot their control of the Benefits be allowed to get away with Agency the democratic Employment Service (ES)
The key to the struggle in Left Unity's defence is the mobilisation Serwotka seems more spirof grassroots memocts of the ited than their defence union in Serwotka's support. members' terms and condithe sign tions. Many of their reached i out beyond the traditional con. Reamsbottom can get rid of stituency of the left in his Serwotka. election campaign, and has These leaders have often remained popular ever since. seemed more concerned in the past with protecting their