Building workers to be balloted for strikes

Thousands of building workers employed by local authorities and the health service across the UK are to be balloted for strikes, increasing the prospect of widespread industrial action next month over public sector pensions.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Oct 2011, 07:00 BST

The construction workers’ union UCATT said it will hold its most extensive industrial action ballot in its history in protest at the “unfair attack” on pensions.

Acting general secretary George Guy said yesterday: “Public sector workers are being hit by a triple whammy on their pensions by the Government.

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“They are being told they will have to pay more, for a lower pension and they will have to work longer to receive it. This is totally unfair, especially at a time when most workers have already had their pay frozen and inflation is rocketing.”

UCATT said it will be balloting its members at 500 employers in local government, the NHS and the civil service from later this month.

If building workers vote in favour of walking out, they will join the TUC day of action on November 30, which could see millions of public sector workers taking strike action.

UCATT said that contrary to popular myths, public sector workers did not enjoy gold-plated pensions, adding that under the Government’s proposals, builders employed by local authorities would have to pay an additional £48 to £67 a month.

Related topics:TUCGovernmentNHS