Video: What you think about new wave of public sector strikes

THOUSANDS of building workers employed by local authorities and the NHS across the UK are to be balloted for strikes, increasing the prospect of widespread industrial action next month over public sector pensions.

A growing number of unions representing council and health workers, teachers, civil servants and other public sector employees, are holding strike ballots in the worsening pensions dispute.

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

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Acting general secretary George Guy said: “Public sector workers are being hit by a triple whammy on their pensions by the Government. 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, 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-£67 a month.

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Mr Guy added: “Ucatt workers in the public sector are already really struggling to make ends meet. Many would seriously consider dropping out of their pension scheme, as they simply can’t afford the proposed increases.

“Strike action and balloting for industrial action is never taken lightly but the Government has refused to enter into meaningful negotiations after nine months of talks.”

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