22/10/2004

UK-wide civil service strike planned for next month

Civil service unions have voted to go on a one-day strike next month in protest at government plans to cut over 100,000 service jobs as part of a cost-cutting exercise.

The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) have voted by 2 to 1 for a one-day national civil service wide strike on 5 November.

Over 70,000 members voted for the strike that in response to massive government cuts which the union believes will "decimate public services and undermine services delivered to all sections of society".

The one-day stoppage on the 5 November will be the biggest in a generation and the first national civil service strike in over a decade. Services across the UK ranging from, driving licences, Jobcentres and benefit offices, to tax credits, tax collection and the protection of our shores from illegal contraband will be affected.

The union says it is also protesting over changes to terms and conditions, sick absence arrangements and the prospect of working longer to receive their pension as the pension age could rise from 60 to 65.

Mark Serwotka PCS general secretary, said: "Members have voted to take a stand for public services. It is a stand, which says they won't tolerate the government's slash and burn approach to public services, services that everybody relies on from cradle to the grave."

He added: "When the government and Tories are engaged in a bidding war of who can cut the most, Britain's civil servants will be saying on the November 5 that you can't embark along the path of crude cuts without it damaging services."

(gmcg)

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