Union Plan As Pensions 'Go For A Song'

As the day of action over public sector pensions draws near, the UK's largest union has decided to make a song and dance over the issue by releasing a single.

The TUC revealed on Monday morning that it has manufactured a group of public sector staff as 'The Workers' to re-record the classic song Let's Work Together as a charity track to support the public sector strike action and raise money for pensioners.

The song, released on the NOVA MUSIC label and available to download from iTunes, Amazon and other online outlets, will be launched on Monday 21 November and will chart on Sunday 27 November - the week of the TUC day of action and what is likely to be the biggest strike in a generation.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: "No song could better meet our twin goals. Not only does it capture the determination of public sector staff to reach a fair settlement of the pensions issue but also what is so special about the magnificent people who provide our vital services.

"But better still, this is not just some karaoke sing-along. We have discovered some real stars who have made this into a track that will get even ministerial toes tapping."

The Workers are 14-strong and include a firefighter, probation officers, a teacher and health service staff including a nurse, midwives and a physiotherapist.

The record was created and produced by Jeff Chegwin and Nick Patrick - the production team behind The Soldiers.

According to the TUC, the song was chosen as it "captures the spirit of the public sector" and the determination of its workforce to defend services and proper rewards for its staff. The song will be accompanied by a video that documents the recording of the song and shows how its central character depends on public services throughout a typical journey to work.

A major part of the sale price, equivalent to about 40p out of the 99p cost in most outlets, will be donated by the TUC to Age UK to show support for today's pensioners.

Producer Jeff Chegwin said: "This has been a fantastic project. The spirit, commitment and talent of the singers who make up The Workers have been an inspiration. If they are like this at work, then we are lucky to have them providing our public services."

Singer Rosie Gosden, a midwife from London whose daughter Viv - a midwife too - also sings on Let's Work Together, said: "This has been tremendous fun. It's a chance to do what I love best - singing - in the service in what I most believe, good public services.

"Our determination to make this a big charity fundraiser shows we care for today's pensioners as well as tomorrow's."

(DW)