Council staff in strike vote (From Western Telegraph)

Council staff in strike vote

HUNDREDS of local government workers in Pembrokeshire could go on strike later this month over Government plans to change their pension scheme.

Services provided by the county council, as well as the National Park Authority, could be affected if UNISON members vote 'yes' in a strike ballot, which closes today (Wednesday).

From April 1st, changes to the scheme will, according to UNISON, 'force people to work to 65 by cutting benefits for those who retire earlier' and 'raise the minimum age at which pensions can be paid'.

"We are not opposed to all change," said UNISON general secretary, Dave Prentis, in a letter to local government members. "We want genuine dialogue with the Government, but we will not accept the imposition of such serious changes.

"This union only takes strike action as a last resort. But the Government's unprecedented attack on the local government pension scheme is not only unjust, it also strikes at the heart of pay conditions."

Early indication shows that Pembrokeshire members, if directed by a national vote, would support a strike on March 23rd.

Chairman of UNISON's county branch, Keith Bartlett, said: "We had an initial pre-ballot just to see how people felt about what was being proposed, and it has created quite a reaction."

At the branch's agm two weeks ago, a number of people attended simply because the issue was being discussed.

"It's a very emotive thing," Mr Bartlett said. "It obviously effects the vast majority of people."

Members, who pay into the Dyfed Pension Fund along with more than 25,000 other members from various bodies, participated in strike action over pay three years ago.

Keith Bartlett said support then was incredibly strong, but believes the latest threat could generate more support.

"It really has touched a nerve," he said.