Union Leaders Debate Anti-Cuts Strike

Union bosses will announce their next move over government's spending cuts later today.

The debate to support a co-ordinated campaign of industrial action is currently undecided.

A warning of possible strikes over changes to pension entitlements has been issued by a number of large public sector unions.

However TUC officials remain positive that action can be avoided if ministers extend talks.

Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude told the BBC that a "general strike" would be illegal.

He added that ministers wanted dialogue with unions but they had to recognise that public spending had to be reduced.

Public and Commercial Services Union General Secretary Mark Serwotka said: "I hope we'll make good progress towards greater co-ordination between the unions.

"While strike action is always a last resort, it would be the result of the government's refusal to change course and its political choice to press ahead with unnecessary and hugely damaging cuts.

"It's logical that any industrial action is always more effective if more people are involved and that's what I'll be saying today."

Union bosses agree that holding strikes would be a last resort, however larger public sector unions think there may be no alternative.

Legally, pensions remain a primary issue behind co-ordinating possible strikes among workers.

It was predicted that a campaign would be launched in the spring, however after TUC negotiations reached an agreement with ministers it is likely to hold off changes until June.

(BMcN)