Gainsborough public sector workers join national pensions fight

Members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) are holding a picket line outside Gainsborough Job Centre this morning.

Prison Officers Association (POA) members across the county are also taking part in unofficial strike action today.

Nick Parker, assistant secretary for the PCS and DWP in Lincolnshire and Rutland, said the proposed cuts will leave thousands of public sector workers paying more and working longer for lower pensions.

“We are taking strike action because we don’t think it’s fair to have to work longer hours for less pay for no other reason that the government wants to cut the deficit which we didn’t cause,” he said.

“To those who say we shouldn’t be striking because of the inconvenience - it’s the government which has caused this inconvenience.”

He added: “The Government is being completely intransigent and is forcing public sector workers to face a heavy tax on their pensions.”

“We don’t see this as a campaign split between the public and private sectors but as a campaign fighting for fair pay for all.”

Up to 400,000 public sector workers are expected to join the national strike today, including civil servants, NHS workers, police officers, border force staff and lecturers.

Workers are protesting against proposed changes to their pensions, but the Government says current pensions schemes are unfair and unaffordable as people live longer.

What do YOU think of the national action? Let us know by emailing [email protected] or by calling 01427 615323.