Unions to take part in Shrewsbury Rally over Pension Cuts
Striking public sector workers from up to twenty trade unions will be participating in a rally in the Old Market Square in Shrewsbury next Wednesday 30 November to show their opposition to the Government’s proposed changes to public sector pensions that will see people having to work longer and pay more to get less.
After a morning on the picket line, local teachers, lecturers, headteachers, civil servants and local authority staff will assemble in the Square at 12.30pm to hear local trade union and community leaders voice their opposition to Government plans.
“There’s a lot of anger out there amongst teachers, lecturers, headteachers, local authority and health service staff and civil servants over Government plans for public sector pensions,” said Steve Bradfield of the Shropshire branch of the University & College Union. “People feel betrayed. They have been paying into pension funds for years expecting a fair deal when they get to pension age, only to have the Government now try to steal some of their pensions.”
“It’s no use saying that public sector workers get a better deal than private sector workers. The average local authority pension is about £4,000. If private sector pensions are lower than that, then we need government action to improve them.”
Jo Messer, chair of the Shropshire UNISON branch, will chair the rally, which will hear comedienne Jo Brand’s mother, Joyce, join local trade union leaders in explaining how the Government is effectively taxing public sector workers to pay for a deficit created by bailing out irresponsible bankers.
Local trade unions are also suggesting that employers donate the money given up by strikers – in pay they won’t receive – to a fund for local charities. “We think the unpaid wages and salaries from the day could be made available to local youth and/or pensioner charities to provide support for their activities,” said Steve Bradfield.
During the rally, live music will be provided by local group, Radio Riots, and some children’s entertainers will also be performing for strikers who bring their families to the rally.
