Unison ballots members over pension plans

Public sector union Unison has today announced the start of the biggest ballot in UK history, in a dispute over government plans to make changes to local government and NHS pensions.

Unison is opposed to proposed pension changes that will see public sector staff have to contribute more to their pensions, and wait longer until they can retire.

Dave Prentis, Unison general secretary, has given the green light to the Electoral Reform Society to start posting ballot papers to 1.1million members on a proposed ‘day of action’ set for 30 November.

He said: “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.

“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 £4billion 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. It is nothing more than a tax on public sector workers to help pay down the country’s deficit that they did nothing to cause.”