Workers voting on strike over pension changes

Members of Unison, including probation officers, nurses, social workers, teaching assistants, dinner ladies and hospital cleaners, will vote over the next few weeks on whether to join a strike on November 30 which is predicted to be the biggest outbreak of industrial unrest seen in the UK.

As the timetable for Unison’s ballot was revealed, the GMB union published a study showing that more than 100,000 jobs have been lost in local authorities across England since the General Election, with more to go.

Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said the ballot was about increased contributions, waiting longer to retire, and lower pensions, made worse by job losses and pay freezes.

“I am urging Unison members to stand up for their pension rights and vote yes for strike action, in the biggest ballot in UK history,” he said.

“All along, we have been hoping for the best, but planning for the worst, and the worst is happening. Eight months of talks have got nowhere – government Ministers are just not listening.

“We know our members will not take this decision lightly. They dedicate their entire lives to caring for other people, but they have been pushed too far.

“Government Ministers want to save £4bn from public sector pensions, and they want our members to make up that money by paying more and working longer for a pension that will be worth less.

“This is not fair, and it is not necessary. Both the local government and the health scheme our members save into are cash-rich and financially sound – they don’t need this drastic change.”

Unison members will receive their ballot papers this week.