27.09.11
Unions put pressure on Labour for strike support
Unions put pressure on Labour for strike support
Unison has insisted that Labour must back public sector strikes over pensions, or the party will never be forgiven.
Labour leader Ed Miliband has previously refused to support industrial action, calling it a ‘mistake’ whilst talks were still ongoing.
Discussion between public sector workers and the Government have been going on since January, but Unison has balloted its members for strike action on November 30.
Dave Prentis, general secretary of Unison, told Labour's conference: “If we do vote for strike action – a hard decision, always a last resort – millions of public sector workers and our union will expect your support.
“They look to Labour to stand shoulder to shoulder with them. They will never forgive us if we let them down and neither will their union. Sometimes you have to remind people what you are worth.
“The campaigns we are fighting are not just about jobs or pensions, they are about creating the type of society we for our children. Our members have not given up the fight and nor must our party.”
The proposed changes to public sector pensions would involve people working for longer for lower payments in retirement. The Government argues that changes are necessary due to people living for far longer.
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