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18/03/2005
Unions urge government to drop pension changes
Seven trade unions have joined forces to sign a joint statement demanding fairness on pensions.
The statement, which has been issued by unions including Amicus, the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), Unison and the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU), accuses the government of a "breach of faith" in imposing changes to public sector pensions, including a proposal to raise the pension age from 60 to 65.
The statement has been issued just before an expected strike by public sector workers, which could take place on March 23. A large majority of workers voted in favour of strike action in ballots held by Unison, TGWU, Ucatt and Amicus last week.
In the statement, the unions urge the government to "step back from confrontation" and enter into "meaningful negotiations" over the pension changes. The unions have also called for "no pre-conditions" and "no issues defined as non-negotiable".
Dave Prentis, Unison General Secretary, said: "This show of unity between the unions demonstrates the strength of feeling of all our members. The changes to the Local Government Pension Scheme have been pushed through by diktat. Our members are angry and will not accept this without a fight."
The TGWU's Tony Woodley said: "The government quite rightly addressed pensions issues in the Budget so it's a shame they mar that good work by bringing in a 'work 'til you drop' culture for council workers. Our members have paid over £8bn into their pension scheme since 1997 and have every right to defend it which is why they've voted to strike. The government should respond to that and negotiate with the unions for a fair future for our people."
Mark Serwotka, General Secretary of the PCS, added: "Fairness and choice needs to be at the heart of any pensions changes."
Derek Simpson, General Secretary of Amicus, said: "Our local authority members are the backbone of our public services. They earn an average of £12,000 a year, working in physically demanding occupations, and their pensions, which are fair and not excessive, have been one of the few saving graces. "
John Corey, General Secretary of Northern Ireland's public service union, NIPSA, said that they also supported proposed strike action. He said: "Civil and public servants in Northern Ireland, like their colleagues in the rest of the UK, have the right to expect fair pensions after serving the public throughout their working lives. This is why public servants in Northern Ireland are backing the strike. Government should respect that and stop these attacks on public servants' pensions."
(KMcA/SP)
The statement, which has been issued by unions including Amicus, the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), Unison and the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU), accuses the government of a "breach of faith" in imposing changes to public sector pensions, including a proposal to raise the pension age from 60 to 65.
The statement has been issued just before an expected strike by public sector workers, which could take place on March 23. A large majority of workers voted in favour of strike action in ballots held by Unison, TGWU, Ucatt and Amicus last week.
In the statement, the unions urge the government to "step back from confrontation" and enter into "meaningful negotiations" over the pension changes. The unions have also called for "no pre-conditions" and "no issues defined as non-negotiable".
Dave Prentis, Unison General Secretary, said: "This show of unity between the unions demonstrates the strength of feeling of all our members. The changes to the Local Government Pension Scheme have been pushed through by diktat. Our members are angry and will not accept this without a fight."
The TGWU's Tony Woodley said: "The government quite rightly addressed pensions issues in the Budget so it's a shame they mar that good work by bringing in a 'work 'til you drop' culture for council workers. Our members have paid over £8bn into their pension scheme since 1997 and have every right to defend it which is why they've voted to strike. The government should respond to that and negotiate with the unions for a fair future for our people."
Mark Serwotka, General Secretary of the PCS, added: "Fairness and choice needs to be at the heart of any pensions changes."
Derek Simpson, General Secretary of Amicus, said: "Our local authority members are the backbone of our public services. They earn an average of £12,000 a year, working in physically demanding occupations, and their pensions, which are fair and not excessive, have been one of the few saving graces. "
John Corey, General Secretary of Northern Ireland's public service union, NIPSA, said that they also supported proposed strike action. He said: "Civil and public servants in Northern Ireland, like their colleagues in the rest of the UK, have the right to expect fair pensions after serving the public throughout their working lives. This is why public servants in Northern Ireland are backing the strike. Government should respect that and stop these attacks on public servants' pensions."
(KMcA/SP)
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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.
21 March 2005
Potential pension row strike averted
A one-day strike over proposed public sector pension changes has been called off by the unions involved. The proposed strike, which was due to take place on Wednesday, was called off after the government agreed to review local government pensions and negotiate with the unions.
Potential pension row strike averted
A one-day strike over proposed public sector pension changes has been called off by the unions involved. The proposed strike, which was due to take place on Wednesday, was called off after the government agreed to review local government pensions and negotiate with the unions.
01 December 2011
Talks Between Unions And Govt Begin - Again
Talks will begin again between unions and the government after widespread strike action yesterday. It is understood that teaching unions will meet up with government for talks today while health service unions will meet with the government tomorrow. More than 2 million workers are estimated to have taken part in the strikes across the UK yesterday.
Talks Between Unions And Govt Begin - Again
Talks will begin again between unions and the government after widespread strike action yesterday. It is understood that teaching unions will meet up with government for talks today while health service unions will meet with the government tomorrow. More than 2 million workers are estimated to have taken part in the strikes across the UK yesterday.
10 May 2012
Public Sector Workers Begin 24-Hour Strike Action
A 24-hour UK-wide strike action is underway in a dispute between public sector workers and the government over changes to their pension scheme. Hundreds of thousands of public sector workers have to taken to the streets in protest over changes that unions say will leave their members paying more and working longer for lower pensions.
Public Sector Workers Begin 24-Hour Strike Action
A 24-hour UK-wide strike action is underway in a dispute between public sector workers and the government over changes to their pension scheme. Hundreds of thousands of public sector workers have to taken to the streets in protest over changes that unions say will leave their members paying more and working longer for lower pensions.
18 February 2005
Unions protest over public sector pension changes
Thousands of people are expected to take part in protests against public sector pension changes across the country today. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) is co-ordinating the countrywide action, as part of the 'Protecting Public Services Campaign Day'.
Unions protest over public sector pension changes
Thousands of people are expected to take part in protests against public sector pension changes across the country today. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) is co-ordinating the countrywide action, as part of the 'Protecting Public Services Campaign Day'.
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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.
