Menu
30/11/2011
Public Sector Strikes 'Will Not Achieve Anything'
Public workers are striking today over pension cuts with over 1,000 demonstrations set to take place across the UK.
The walkout has been hailed as the biggest of its kind for generations. Hospitals, schools, ports and government offices will be closed or disrupted during the strike.
This strike action follows the unions’ objections to making workers work longer and pay more to earn their pensions.
The Chancellor, George Osborne, has said that today’s strikes “will not achieve anything” and has urged the unions to resume negotiations. It is the Chancellor’s belief that if anything the demonstrations today will just make the economy weaker.
Meanwhile yesterday Labour Leader Ed Miliband said that he would not condemn the strikes.
Mr Miliband told ITV Daybreak he hated the "terrible" disruption the strike would cause, but would not condemn it. He said planned pension changes were "a 3% tax rise on some of the lowest-paid workers in the country" and unfair.
(LB)
The walkout has been hailed as the biggest of its kind for generations. Hospitals, schools, ports and government offices will be closed or disrupted during the strike.
This strike action follows the unions’ objections to making workers work longer and pay more to earn their pensions.
The Chancellor, George Osborne, has said that today’s strikes “will not achieve anything” and has urged the unions to resume negotiations. It is the Chancellor’s belief that if anything the demonstrations today will just make the economy weaker.
Meanwhile yesterday Labour Leader Ed Miliband said that he would not condemn the strikes.
Mr Miliband told ITV Daybreak he hated the "terrible" disruption the strike would cause, but would not condemn it. He said planned pension changes were "a 3% tax rise on some of the lowest-paid workers in the country" and unfair.
(LB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 December 2011
Pension Switch Is Legal, Says Govt
A High Court has ruled that the government’s policy switch, used for pension inflation proofing, is legal. Trade unions brought a judicial review of the way Consumer Prices Index (CPI) was now being used instead of the faster-rising Retail Prices Index (RPI) for pensions inflation proofing.
Pension Switch Is Legal, Says Govt
A High Court has ruled that the government’s policy switch, used for pension inflation proofing, is legal. Trade unions brought a judicial review of the way Consumer Prices Index (CPI) was now being used instead of the faster-rising Retail Prices Index (RPI) for pensions inflation proofing.
25 July 2007
Postal strikes set to begin
Royal Mail staff are set to begin two weeks of staggered industrial action from 7pm on Wednesday evening in protest over pay and job losses. The Communication Workers Union (CWU) said that each division within the firm had been given a different day to strike on in order to cause the maximum disruption to Royal Mail.
Postal strikes set to begin
Royal Mail staff are set to begin two weeks of staggered industrial action from 7pm on Wednesday evening in protest over pay and job losses. The Communication Workers Union (CWU) said that each division within the firm had been given a different day to strike on in order to cause the maximum disruption to Royal Mail.
12 April 2006
Union leaders move to suspend council strikes
Leaders of the council workers unions have called for upcoming strikes over pension rights to be suspended. The unions have issued a joint statement detailing a framework for discussions between unions and local government employers.
Union leaders move to suspend council strikes
Leaders of the council workers unions have called for upcoming strikes over pension rights to be suspended. The unions have issued a joint statement detailing a framework for discussions between unions and local government employers.
02 February 2009
Sellafield Workers Join Wildcat Strikes
Hundreds of contract workers at a nuclear site have walked out in support of protests over the use of foreign labour. The wildcat strikes, which broke out last week over an oil refinerys use of foreign staff, today continued to spread as around 900 workers at Sellafield and 300 contractors at Heysham walked out.
Sellafield Workers Join Wildcat Strikes
Hundreds of contract workers at a nuclear site have walked out in support of protests over the use of foreign labour. The wildcat strikes, which broke out last week over an oil refinerys use of foreign staff, today continued to spread as around 900 workers at Sellafield and 300 contractors at Heysham walked out.
11 March 2005
Civil service unions to take strike action
"Massive majorities" of public sector workers have voted in favour of strike action over the proposed rise in the pension age, it has been announced. Ballots conducted by Amicus, the Transport and General Workers Union, UCATT and UNISON recorded votes of between 73% and 87% in favour of a one-day strike across the UK on March 23.
Civil service unions to take strike action
"Massive majorities" of public sector workers have voted in favour of strike action over the proposed rise in the pension age, it has been announced. Ballots conducted by Amicus, the Transport and General Workers Union, UCATT and UNISON recorded votes of between 73% and 87% in favour of a one-day strike across the UK on March 23.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
