Threat of strikes over pensions

Brian Strutton, national officer of the GMB, said that if talks with Ministers did not lead to a deal on pensions, the union would consider plans for an industrial action ballot.

He added: “I hope we have a good outcome from our negotiations. But if it is not acceptable, we will have no alternative, we will exercise our right to strike to defend our pensions – and b******* to Vince Cable.”

Mr Strutton is part of a team of union leaders meeting the Government tomorrow for talks over plans to change the pensions of millions of public-sector workers.

Mr Cable has said widespread industrial action could ratchet up pressure on the Government to strengthen laws over strikes.

The Minister was heckled when he addressed the GMB conference on Monday.

Mr Strutton told delegates at the Brighton conference yesterday the Government attack would lead to workers paying in more and receiving less money in retirement.

Some delegates said it was a myth that public-sector pensions were “gold-plated”. John Garside, from Barnsley, said: “This could lead to the collapse of healthy pension schemes.”

Delegates agreed to campaign to defend pensions.