Trade unionists urge ‘yes’ vote over strikes

TRADE unionists gathered in Leeds and Sheffield yesterday to urge a “yes” vote in a strike ballot of over one million workers.

The country’s largest union, Unison, is balloting 1.1 million members about striking over plans to change public sector pensions.

Members will start voting next week on whether to join the proposed day of action on November 30 against the government plans. There could also be the prospect of further action, including a rolling programme of stoppages.

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Unison members gathered with placards outside the Civic Hall in Leeds and the Town Hall in Sheffield.

Those voting will include nurses, social workers, teaching assistants, dinner ladies, hospital cleaners and probation officers.

The ballot result will be known on November 3, which will give Unison time to strike on the TUC day of action on November 30.

Other unions are also balloting workers, raising the prospect of a strike by millions,

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Workers face increased pension contributions, waiting longer to retire and receiving worse pensions, according to union leaders.

Unison said essential public services will be protected on strike days.

The Government says the cost of providing public sector pensions is rising and reform is needed.