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15/03/2006
Council workers vote in favour of strike
Council staff have voted in favour of strike action in protest over proposed changes to local government pensions.
More than a million staff, including cooks, refuse collectors and civilian police support staff, will stage a walkout on March 28, in what will be the biggest industrial action in the UK since the General Strike of 1926.
The pensions row centres on 'Rule 85', which allows staff to retire at 60 on full pension if their combined age and years of service amount to 85.
The government said that the rule will have to be scrapped in order to comply with new EU age discrimination legislation and this would mean all local government staff would have to work until the age of 65.
The unions say that the government has refused to give protection for existing members of the pension scheme.
The members of eight trade unions, including Unison, the Transport and General Workers Union and the GMB, will take part in the strike.
Union leaders have also warned that there could be further strike action over the issue.
Dave Prentis, Unison General Secretary, said: "By refusing to pay out on the Local Government Pension Scheme, especially when they have given protection to every other government pension scheme, the government has destroyed the retirement plans of tens of thousands of public sector workers.
"It is simply immoral that the employers' association doesn't come clean and admit that they have already spent the pension funds paid in good faith by LGPS members. This is a pensions con.
"Civil servants, teachers, police, firefighters and the NHS have all been given protection for existing members of their pension schemes, so there is absolutely no rhyme or reason in singling out LGPS members for such unfair and unjust treatment."
(KMcA/GB)
More than a million staff, including cooks, refuse collectors and civilian police support staff, will stage a walkout on March 28, in what will be the biggest industrial action in the UK since the General Strike of 1926.
The pensions row centres on 'Rule 85', which allows staff to retire at 60 on full pension if their combined age and years of service amount to 85.
The government said that the rule will have to be scrapped in order to comply with new EU age discrimination legislation and this would mean all local government staff would have to work until the age of 65.
The unions say that the government has refused to give protection for existing members of the pension scheme.
The members of eight trade unions, including Unison, the Transport and General Workers Union and the GMB, will take part in the strike.
Union leaders have also warned that there could be further strike action over the issue.
Dave Prentis, Unison General Secretary, said: "By refusing to pay out on the Local Government Pension Scheme, especially when they have given protection to every other government pension scheme, the government has destroyed the retirement plans of tens of thousands of public sector workers.
"It is simply immoral that the employers' association doesn't come clean and admit that they have already spent the pension funds paid in good faith by LGPS members. This is a pensions con.
"Civil servants, teachers, police, firefighters and the NHS have all been given protection for existing members of their pension schemes, so there is absolutely no rhyme or reason in singling out LGPS members for such unfair and unjust treatment."
(KMcA/GB)
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11 March 2005
Civil service unions to take strike action
"Massive majorities" of public sector workers have voted in favour of strike action over the proposed rise in the pension age, it has been announced. Ballots conducted by Amicus, the Transport and General Workers Union, UCATT and UNISON recorded votes of between 73% and 87% in favour of a one-day strike across the UK on March 23.
Civil service unions to take strike action
"Massive majorities" of public sector workers have voted in favour of strike action over the proposed rise in the pension age, it has been announced. Ballots conducted by Amicus, the Transport and General Workers Union, UCATT and UNISON recorded votes of between 73% and 87% in favour of a one-day strike across the UK on March 23.
12 December 2008
£4 Billion Boost For Pensioners
Pensioners are set for a £4 billion boost next year as the Government confirmed the biggest rise in the Basic State Pension since 2001 today, on top of £900m in Christmas Bonuses and a £575m increase in Winter Fuel Payments.
£4 Billion Boost For Pensioners
Pensioners are set for a £4 billion boost next year as the Government confirmed the biggest rise in the Basic State Pension since 2001 today, on top of £900m in Christmas Bonuses and a £575m increase in Winter Fuel Payments.
18 February 2005
Unions protest over public sector pension changes
Thousands of people are expected to take part in protests against public sector pension changes across the country today. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) is co-ordinating the countrywide action, as part of the 'Protecting Public Services Campaign Day'.
Unions protest over public sector pension changes
Thousands of people are expected to take part in protests against public sector pension changes across the country today. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) is co-ordinating the countrywide action, as part of the 'Protecting Public Services Campaign Day'.
21 April 2006
BBC announces pension changes
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The BBC has announced that it is to close its final salary pension scheme to new members. The proposals announced by Director-General Mark Thompson would see the closure of the final salary pension scheme to new members from August 31, 2006.
04 February 2005
Unions to ballot members over pension age proposals
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) have announced plans to ballot their members on strike action, over government plans to raise the public sector pension age to 65. The PCS, which has 290,00 public sector members, will join UNISON, the TGWU and Amicus, in balloting their members about a possible strike on March 23.
Unions to ballot members over pension age proposals
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) have announced plans to ballot their members on strike action, over government plans to raise the public sector pension age to 65. The PCS, which has 290,00 public sector members, will join UNISON, the TGWU and Amicus, in balloting their members about a possible strike on March 23.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
