Why I’m a socialist

When I joined the civil service some years ago, staff from a higher education background such as I were respected professionals with career prospects. We took pride in our work. However, all has now changed.

We now work under the dark clouds of cuts, job insecurity, inadequate resources, performance targets, excessive workloads and an unjust, rigged performance management system (which now includes forced rankings). In summary, a race to the bottom.

I thought I was alone, but realised many workers faced similar circumstances. Increasingly frustrated, I felt I had to take a stand. I’d also become aware that none of the mainstream parties represented ordinary working people; it was under the Blair-Brown Government that my workplace starting getting like this. Only a new workers’ movement could change things.

Earlier this year I was pushed to the edge, so took action and joined the Socialist Party and the PCS union. Now I’m happier to be campaigning alongside others against this injustice. I’ve found an island of sense in an ocean of madness!

Unfortunately union membership isn’t strong on the site where I work, and the PCS branch rep is at a site eight miles away. Management has disallowed union activities in official time (we used to be permitted to do so). As a result, organising branch meetings is difficult. However, I’ll do all I can to support the local branch.

Andrew Wilkins