Skip to main content
Gifts from The Morning Star
If Labour wants to succeed, it must champion workers – starting with its own
There is no stronger economy without the stronger wages that provide extra disposable income, which is why workers – including civil servants – must have their pay boosted in real terms, along with restored union rights and insourcing, says FRAN HEATHCOTE

THIS is the first TUC Congress with a Labour government for 15 years. Every union will be glad to see the back of the last government, which attacked trade union rights and drove down workers’ wages.

But we cannot be complacent. The new government has promised a “painful” Budget in just a few weeks’ time and warned of “tough choices” — which has historically proven to be code for misery to be heaped on working-class people.

The Budget, and the Comprehensive Spending Review that follows, will tell us a lot about the true nature of this Labour government. So far the signs have been mixed.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
People attending the People's Assembly Against Austerity protest in central London. Picture date: Saturday June 7, 2025
TUC Congress 2025 / 8 September 2025
8 September 2025

In the current climate, it is vital to bust the myths and put forward the case for a humane and decent social security system that supports people, argues FRAN HEATHCOTE

People take part in a pro-Palestine protest outside the Houses of Parliament in London, June 4, 2025
Features / 13 June 2025
13 June 2025

Civil servants are worried that work they are being asked to undertake may be contributing to potential Israeli war crimes – and PCS will back back any member facing disciplinary action for refusing to work on arms export licences, writes general secretary FRAN HEATHCOTE

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote
Features / 26 March 2025
26 March 2025
Public and Commercial Services union leader FRAN HEATHCOTE warns the Chancellor not to take an axe to the Civil Service – and points to measures that would genuinely improve the public sector
SPEAKING OUT: PCS president Fran Heathcote
International Women's Day 2025 / 8 March 2025
8 March 2025
As the government ploughs ahead with £3 billion in welfare cuts, arbitrary office-return mandates, and below-inflation pay rises, women will bear the brunt through deepening poverty and increased caring burdens, argues FRAN HEATHCOTE
Similar stories
People attending the People's Assembly Against Austerity protest in central London. Picture date: Saturday June 7, 2025
TUC Congress 2025 / 8 September 2025
8 September 2025

In the current climate, it is vital to bust the myths and put forward the case for a humane and decent social security system that supports people, argues FRAN HEATHCOTE

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote
Features / 26 March 2025
26 March 2025
Public and Commercial Services union leader FRAN HEATHCOTE warns the Chancellor not to take an axe to the Civil Service – and points to measures that would genuinely improve the public sector
SPEAKING OUT: PCS president Fran Heathcote
International Women's Day 2025 / 8 March 2025
8 March 2025
As the government ploughs ahead with £3 billion in welfare cuts, arbitrary office-return mandates, and below-inflation pay rises, women will bear the brunt through deepening poverty and increased caring burdens, argues FRAN HEATHCOTE