Solidarity have received a major boost ahead of Thursday's election as leading members of the civil service union PCS have called on their members to vote for Solidarity. 270,000 members of the union will be out on strike today as part of their ongoing battle against job cuts, privatisation and low pay.

The PCS National President for the UK, Janice Godrich said (speaking in a personal capacity):

"Solidarity has been to the forefront in giving support to the pcs in our campaign to defend jobs and public services. This election is the chance for pcs members to elect MSPs who will put our interests first. By voting Solidarity on Thursday you will be helping to give us that voice."

Solidarity Co-Convenor Rosemary Byrne welcomed the news:

"We have shown our commitment to civil and public servantson the picket lines, in the workplace and in parliament. Gordon Brown has launched an all out attack on these peoples jobs and futures, it doesn't surprise me that the unions members no longer see Labour as the answer."

Alan Brown, vice president DWP and NEC and fellow NEC member Cheryl Gedling have backed Godrich's call. Brown said "Solidarity and Tommy Sheridan have backed us every time we have taken action on the issues that concern our union. We have no hesitation in asking you to vote for a party that stands up for workers in struggle." with Gedling adding, "All PCS members should vote Solidarity on May 3rd to give Scotland's workers a strong voice in the Scottish parliament."

Tomy Sheridan, Rosemary Byrne and solidarity members will PCS members on picket lines across Scotland today.