Menu
08/09/2008
Unions To Debate Public Pay Protest
Delegates at the TUC Congress in Brighton have voted in favour of co-ordinated industrial action against the government's public sector pay policy.
A motion pressing for days of action has following Westminster minister's attempts to limit pay rises to 2% in the public sector in order to "stem inflation".
An amendment urging the TUC to go further and organise a public sector-wide national strike was rejected.
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka described the ministers' inflation argument as "morally bankrupt".
In his opening speech TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "Too much of contemporary Britain simply isn't fair.
"It's not fair that employees are facing a fall in their living standards while top bosses see their pay packets go up by 20% or even 30%."
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) has said 270,000 civil servants working in every government department will be balloted on the decision to hold a three-month series of industrial action.
The conference motion was proposed by Unison and seconded by the PCS. It requires days of action including a major national demonstration against the government's pay policy.
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "We need to get tens of thousands of people on the streets to show how angry they feel."
The TUC annual conference lasts until Thursday. Topics such as union rights, calls for windfall taxes on energy firms and the protection of vulnerable workers will be discussed.
(GK/JM)
A motion pressing for days of action has following Westminster minister's attempts to limit pay rises to 2% in the public sector in order to "stem inflation".
An amendment urging the TUC to go further and organise a public sector-wide national strike was rejected.
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka described the ministers' inflation argument as "morally bankrupt".
In his opening speech TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "Too much of contemporary Britain simply isn't fair.
"It's not fair that employees are facing a fall in their living standards while top bosses see their pay packets go up by 20% or even 30%."
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) has said 270,000 civil servants working in every government department will be balloted on the decision to hold a three-month series of industrial action.
The conference motion was proposed by Unison and seconded by the PCS. It requires days of action including a major national demonstration against the government's pay policy.
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "We need to get tens of thousands of people on the streets to show how angry they feel."
The TUC annual conference lasts until Thursday. Topics such as union rights, calls for windfall taxes on energy firms and the protection of vulnerable workers will be discussed.
(GK/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 September 2014
Public Sector Unions Threaten Strike Action Over Pay Freeze
Hundreds of thousands of public sector workers could stage a three day protest in October, in a dispute over pay. According to reports, health workers are expected to announce industrial action for 13th October, followed by council workers on the 14th, and civil servants on the 15th.
Public Sector Unions Threaten Strike Action Over Pay Freeze
Hundreds of thousands of public sector workers could stage a three day protest in October, in a dispute over pay. According to reports, health workers are expected to announce industrial action for 13th October, followed by council workers on the 14th, and civil servants on the 15th.
18 March 2005
Unions urge government to drop pension changes
Seven trade unions have joined forces to sign a joint statement demanding fairness on pensions.
Unions urge government to drop pension changes
Seven trade unions have joined forces to sign a joint statement demanding fairness on pensions.
28 January 2011
Pension Strikes Not Ruled Out
Following TUC talks, union bosses have failed to rule out industrial action over public sector pension cuts. Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary, agreed that the issue of pensions united workers regarding possible strikes. However he said the campaign against spending cuts would go on, with a mass protest planned on 26 March.
Pension Strikes Not Ruled Out
Following TUC talks, union bosses have failed to rule out industrial action over public sector pension cuts. Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary, agreed that the issue of pensions united workers regarding possible strikes. However he said the campaign against spending cuts would go on, with a mass protest planned on 26 March.
13 September 2010
Unions Call For Co-Ordinated Action On Cuts
Trade unions are calling for co-ordinated strike action against the Government's planned spending cuts. Delegates at the TUC's annual congress in Manchester have backed plans for "joint industrial action", if the scale of planned Govenrment cuts is not reduced.
Unions Call For Co-Ordinated Action On Cuts
Trade unions are calling for co-ordinated strike action against the Government's planned spending cuts. Delegates at the TUC's annual congress in Manchester have backed plans for "joint industrial action", if the scale of planned Govenrment cuts is not reduced.
15 September 2011
Unions Face Off Criticism Over Strikes
The General Secretary of the United Kingdom's Trades Union Congress has faced off against crticism from politicians, reiterating his determination for a "day of action". Brendan Barber announced during the TUC conference on Wednesday that unions were prepared to undertake "co-ordinated" strike action over reductions to public sector pensions.
Unions Face Off Criticism Over Strikes
The General Secretary of the United Kingdom's Trades Union Congress has faced off against crticism from politicians, reiterating his determination for a "day of action". Brendan Barber announced during the TUC conference on Wednesday that unions were prepared to undertake "co-ordinated" strike action over reductions to public sector pensions.
-
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.
