The CPSA was originally called the Civil Service Clerical Association, and was formed in 1921 after the amalgamation of the Civil Service Clerical Union and the Clerical Officers Association. Initially, the CSCA was formed to promote the interests of both permanent and temporary Civil Service staff. This was the first organisation under which such a move was made. At this time, the union had a membership of over 16,000. The CSCA was affiliated with the TUC and the Labour Party until 1927, when under the terms of the Trade Disputes Act, government employees were forced to disaffiliate. It re-affiliated with the TUC in 1946. In 1969 it adopted its current title. In 1973 the Ministry of Labour Staff Association amalgamated with the CPSA and in January 1974 the CPSA absorbed the Court Officer's Association, which became the Court Officers'Section. In March 1998 the CPSA amalgamated with the Public Services, Tax and Commerce Union to form the Public and Commercial Services Union.
Reference: Arthur Marsh and Victoria Ryan, Historical Directory of Trade Unions (England 1988).
From the guide to the Papers of the Civil and Public Services Association, 1970-1997, (Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick Library)
