Council workers strike over pensions
Council workers strike over pensions
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Tuesday, 28, Mar 2006 11:34
Up to 1.5 million council workers could join a one-day walkout today in what is being billed as the biggest act of industrial action since the general strike in 1926.
Union leaders said the industrial action could affect local council services, as well as housing associations, the Probation Service, the Meat Hygiene Service, primary and secondary schools, nurseries, refuse collection and street sweeping.
The national strike could be followed by a series of walkouts in the coming weeks.
Unions are unhappy with plans to scrap the so-called rule of 85, which allows council staff to retire at 60 if their age and length of service adds up to 85 years.
UNISON, the UK's largest public sector union, has suspended local election campaigning for Labour until the dispute is resolved.
Dave Prentis, UNISON's general secretary, said the government's refusal to honour pledges on local government pensions was destroying "the retirement plans of tens of thousands of public sector workers, and it will hit paid women workers the hardest".
Deputy prime minister John Prescott is expected to remove a key element of the 85-year rule this week. Critics have said that he deferred the move last year to avoid strike action before the general election.
Outgoing CBI director general Sir Digby Jones described the proposed 24-hour walkout, which began at midnight, as "selfish and divisive".
The strike is backed by 11 unions.