A state of struggle - John McInally

Special PCS Conference offer

Order your pre publication copy of John McInally’s groundbreaking book on the struggles of the civil service trade union movement and his insider account of his half a century of activity in the CPSA and then PCS.

Long time vice president of the PCS John McInally traces the history of the civil service trade union movement from its origins and in a final chapter analyses the present political situation and the potential for socialist advance.

The book includes fascinating detail of the sharp battles between the rising Broad Left and the State-backed Moderates, the struggle to build a fighting democratic union, the pensions battle, the conflicts with both Labour and Tory governments and the role of PCS as a beacon of resistance to austerity, cuts, discrimination and imperialist war.

Writing with the authority as a long time leading figure on the left he brings his formidable reputation as a skilled negotiator and strike leader to analyse the objective and subjective factors that lie behind opportunism, sectarianism and disunity.

The State and struggle is suffused with revolutionary optimism and tempered with a stark realism.

With an introduction by Mark Serwotka the book is essential and productive reading for every trade unionist and especially for the generations of activists who will find their struggles reflected in its pages.

Published in the Manifesto Press series work | class | unions

Publication date: June 2025 Price £25 220pp illustrated
SPECIAL PRICE for PCS Conference pre publication orders £20+p&p