400,000 public workers to join 24 hr strike

9:36am UK, Thursday May 10, 2012

An estimated 400,000 public sector workers are expected to join a 24-hour strike in a dispute over proposed changes to pensions.
Airports, jobcentres, tax offices, colleges, driving test centres, museums and military sites will all face disruptions.


Who Is Striking?
:: Civil servants
:: NHS workers
:: Paramedics
:: Border force staff
:: Lecturers
:: Job advisers



The Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) said early signs from picket lines showed solid support for the strike, the third major walkout by public sector employees in the past six months in protest at the pension reforms.

Off-duty police officers are prohibited by law from striking, but they will be among the protesters, with up to 20,000 expected to march in Westminster.

It has also emerged that prison officers, who also are not allowed to strike, will hold protest meetings over the pension age increase.

Despite the action the Government made it clear in the Queen's Speech that the changes would go ahead.

Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude described the strike as "futile" and insisted that talks over pensions will not be reopened.


POLICE TO PROTEST OVER FUNDING CUTS
But Unite assistant general secretary Gail Cartmail said: "Today's industrial action will build on the high level of anger that was on display during the November 30 strikes.

"This anger has been increased by the Government's hardline insistence that public sector employees work longer, pay more and receive less when they eventually retire.

"Our members believe that the Government is attacking their pensions as a means of helping reduce the budget deficit, which has been caused by a greedy City elite, that has brought the economy to its knees. This is blatantly unfair."


Public sector workers are being asked to work a bit longer and pay a bit more, but they will continue to get a guaranteed pension which is index-linked and inflation-proofed.

Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude
The dispute over the planned changes to pensions, which would see increased contributions for workers, has been going on for more than 18 months and further strikes could take place in June and throughout the summer.

Mr Maude said: "It is very disappointing that a handful of unions insist on carrying on with futile strike action which will benefit no one.

"Public sector workers are being asked to work a bit longer and pay a bit more, but they will continue to get a guaranteed pension which is index-linked and inflation-proofed.

"Most staff on low and middle incomes will receive a pension at retirement as good as what they expect today, and for many it will be even better."

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Can you believe it! Britain is on it's knees, cuts being made everywhere, these strikers have jobs for life , good working conditions, pay and Pension, yet still they want more and care not about those worse off than themselves. I'm convinced Union Leaders are anarchists, determined to destroy Britain.