Hands off civil servants' pension rights
HEADLINES SUCH as "No. 10 orders shock U-turn on pensions," (Sunday
Times, 25 June) infuriated trade unionists in the civil service.
They were based on a 'leaked' memo from the Cabinet Office to John Prescott. This suggests that the government was considering reneging on assurances that protected existing pensions entitlements for current civil servants and forcing workers to make far bigger contributions.
An activist in the largest civil service union, PCS, told the socialist: "If there's any hint that the government intends to renege on its current set of promises, there will be a massive backlash from union members. Civil service workers are spitting blood. They thought we were safe after last year's settlement.
"PCS's national executive will hopefully be considering the new scheme proposals at its July meeting. That meeting should be able to consider the full range of proposals and then what recommendations it will be making to members for action.
"Members are waiting anxiously. PCS members' vote for action on pensions was bigger than that on jobs. Industrial action could be back on the agenda for civil service workers."
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In The Socialist 29 June 2006:
Socialist Party NHS campaign
Manchester marches to defend the NHS
What the Socialist Party says:
Socialist Party youth and students
Young people - fight for your rights!
Socialist Party feature
SWP / Respect conference: Flawed perspectives
International socialist news and analysis
Greek students' protests ignite solidarity action
New regime in Somalia a setback for US imperialism
Socialist Party campaigns
G8 leaders fail to make poverty history
Police and fascists attack Moscow Pride
Fight back against homophobic bullying
Socialist Party workplace news and analysis
Hands off civil servants' pension rights
Not just: " Lie back and Think of England"
General Motors meets workers' resistance
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