News

(11/03/05) All Out on the 23rd

UNISON members have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action over pensions

The result will be an initial one-day strike in councils across the UK on 23 March, unless agreement can be reached in the meantime.

Feelings among members who regard themselves as the “poor relations” of the public sector are running high.

Five trade unions representing 1.4 million employees have described talks with deputy prime minister John Prescott and national employers last night, over the proposed changes, as constructive. Further talks are planed for early next week.

"Our members, who have paid their pension contributions week in, week out, are very angry," said UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis. "And they are not prepared to accept changes by diktat.”

The average local government pension was just £3,800 a year, he said.

“That’s not a 'fat cat' sum. Low pay within councils means low pensions. UNISON wants real negotiations for the first time on a sustainable, good quality pension scheme that benefits all local government workers and that councils and staff can afford.

“Let's hope the LGA and the employers see sense and abandon these changes, so that real negotiations can take place."

Research by the unions has shown that many pension funds are in deficit, largely as a result of pension holidays taken by some councils in the early 1990's.

Decisions by the then Conservative government enabled councils to raid pension funds to subsidise the move from the poll tax to the council tax. The unions regard the changes as a major cause of the present push to reduce pension benefits.

Branch Secretary Elect Mervyn White called on North Lincolnshire members to support the action by joining the picket lines

Anyone wanting to help with arrangements for the day of action should contact the branch office or use the Feedback Form on this site