Ucatt announces public sector pensions ballot

Construction union Ucatt have announced the most extensive industrial action ballot in its history in defence of public sector members’ pensions.

George Guy, acting general secretary of Ucatt, said: “Public sector workers are being hit by a triple whammy on their pensions by the Government. They are being told they will have to pay more, for a lower pension and they will have to work longer to receive it. This is totally unfair especially at a time when most workers have already had their pay frozen and inflation is rocketing.”

Ucatt will be balloting its members in local government, the NHS and the Civil Service. Ballot papers will be sent out later this month and strike action is planned for Wednesday 30 November. The union is balloting 500 different employers in the dispute.

Under Government proposals workers would have to pay an additional 3 per cent of their pay towards their pensions. This would be an additional £48-£67 a month for most Ucatt local government members.

Guy added: “Ucatt workers in the public sector are already really struggling to make ends meet. Many Ucatt members would seriously consider dropping out of their pension scheme, as they simply can’t afford the proposed increases.

“Strike action and balloting for industrial action is never taken lightly but the Government has refused to enter into meaningful negotiations after nine months of talks.”