Shropshire trade unions plan second pensions strike
Fresh industrial action could take place in Shropshire later this month over the Governments controversial pension reforms.
Shropshire and Telford Trades Council, have set up a co-ordinating committee to support trade unions in the run up to the day of co-ordinated action scheduled for 28th March.
During an AGM meeting on Thursday, the Council agreed that it was important to fight not only for pensions but also to highlight the public sector pay freeze and the increase to everyone's retirement age.
The increase in pension contributions will come into effect from 1st April and will be shown on payslips at the end of April.
Ian Thomas, Assistant Secretary of the Trades Council, said at the meeting: 'The Hutton report on public sector pensions stated that if public sector pensions were made cheaper it would be easier for outside companies to compete to take over services and privatise them. We need to fight not only for our pensions but also to keep public services public. The prospect of companies making profit from our public services is scandalous'.
Striking public sector workers from up to twenty trade unions took part in a day of action last November. Picket lines were in action at local colleges, schools, hospitals, council and other public sector workplaces such as Shrewsbury’s prison.
