Select the size of font for this page [Large][Normal]

Largest Strike Since 1926 Called Off After Agreement With Government

Return to main [news page]

Date / 22nd March 2005

Largest Strike Since 1926 Called Off After Agreement With Government

Strike action planned for Wednesday 23 March by more than 1.5 million workers in the UK has today been called off.

Unions representing local government and civil service workers were due to take action over changes to be introduced to their pension schemes from 1 April 2005 that would have increased the retirement age from 60-65.

Local Government and Civil Service Union leaders have now reached agreements with both the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and Alan Johnson, Minister for Work and Pensions to revoke regulations

GMB National Secretary Brian Strutton said:

"Strike action has been averted through patient and determined negotiation. For the GMB, the right to negotiate on our members' pensions, protecting their deferred pay, is a significant step forward."

UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentis, who led talks on behalf of local government unions today said:

"Our aim throughout talks with the Deputy Prime Minister has been to have these regulations revoked and to open negotiations on how we can have a viable, sustainable pension scheme that will benefit all. We have achieved both these objectives and we now look forward to real talks on the future of the pension schemes.

"The commitment we have from the Deputy Prime Minister would not have been possible without the determined campaigning and hard work of our members."

Jack Dromey, T&G Deputy General Secretary, said:

"The Tories cut pension funding to smooth the move from Poll Tax to the Council Tax. Councils then took pension holidays. Council workers, who paid their contributions throughout, were asked to pay the price with poorer pensions to plug the deficit."

"One million workers need now no longer fear poorer pensions from 1 April," he added. "Next we will negotiate with government, central and local, a sensible long-term solution, ensuring security and dignity in retirement for the nation's public servants."

Alan Ritchie, UCATT General Secretary said:

"The UCATT Executive Council believes the statement from the Deputy Prime Minister contains the necessary assurances sought by our membership and as such UCATT have decided to withdraw the industrial action planned for Wednesday 23 March.

"UCATT would like to thank all our members across local government who delivered an overwhelming yes vote for industrial action. This sent a determined message to the government that changes to the Local Government Pension scheme should not to be subject to a rushed process.

"UCATT now intend to play our full part in the forthcoming negotiations on the future of the pension scheme."

John Allott, Amicus' National Officer for local authorities, said:

"Following the government's agreement to the revoke local authority pension changes due to be introduced in April, Amicus has called off the strike action planned to take place this Wednesday.

"Our key objectives, to get the Government's proposals withdrawn and to get proper negotiations established on long-term plans for local government pensions, have both now been achieved.

"This is a considerable step forward and is entirely due to the determination expressed by trade union members through the industrial action ballots. The basic issues have not gone away though and it is possible that unacceptable pensions proposals will emerge again in the future and, unless a satisfactory conclusion is found, Amicus will continue to support its members in what ever action they decide to take to defend their pensions."

The GMB Union - All Rights Reserved

[Site Map] [Text Only Version] [Legal Notices] [Application Form]