Unions Face Off Criticism Over Strikes

The General Secretary of the United Kingdom's Trades Union Congress has faced off against crticism from politicians, reiterating his determination for a "day of action".

Brendan Barber announced during the TUC conference on Wednesday that unions were prepared to undertake "co-ordinated" strike action over reductions to public sector pensions.

However, his comments came under fire from MPs from all parties, with Angela Eagle, Labour’s Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, saying that strikes should always be "last resort and are usually a sign of failure".

"The Government needs to convince people it is not trying to create such failure.

"Ministers must show a willingness to conduct proper and meaningful negotiations rather than pursuing a path of deliberate confrontation.

"But unions should also demonstrate they intend to exhaust every option of reaching a settlement before considering strike action."

Speaking at a press conference after his initial TUC conference announcement, Mr Barber give further details of the public service unions’ decisions on action.

Unions held an urgent meeting immediately following his unexpected statement, to discuss the recent round of negotiations with the Government on pensions and consider the next steps to defend pensions for millions of public services workers.

"This call reflects the huge anger of public service workers over the threat to their pensions and the deep frustration over difficulties of securing government engagement in meaningful negotiations," Mr Barber said.

He added: "This planned day of action will be an unprecedented coming together of the whole public service workforce and the communities they serve in a united demand for pensions justice."

On Wednesday, addressing a meeting of union leaders at the conference in London, Labour Leader Ed Miliband said he understood why unions were so angry over increases in pension contributions and public-sector cuts but said talks must be given a chance.

(DW/GK)