More strike action over pension pleas (From Western Telegraph)

More strike action over pension pleas

A further three days of crippling strike action is planned later this month by unions which have accused Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott of "provocative action" in ignoring their pensions pleas.

Unison General Secretary Dave Prentis, who revealed that further action will be called from April 25th to 27th affecting the whole of the UK, with possible further action in May, said: "John Prescott's action in laying an order in Parliament to cut pension rights is provocative, premature and unnecessary.

"It will further inflame the anger felt by our members at the way in which they are being treated by their Government and their employers."

He said the union had put forward proposals which would have formed the basis for joint talks, but the Government was proposing to abolish the Rule of 85 from October and an order did not need to be laid until after the summer recess in July.

Last week's strike caused widespread disruption in council offices, schools, libraries, refuse depots and many other sectors.

The Rule of 85, which the Government seeks to abolish, allows people to retire at 60 with the pension they have paid for, if they have at least 25 years' service behind them.