Public sector strikes hit Gainsborough area

STRIKES in protest of changes to public sector pensions are taking their toll on the Gainsborough area.

A number of schools have suffered closures and many from Lincolnshire Police are also taking to the picket line with millions of Public Sector workers in strike action today (Wednesday 30th November).

Services provided by West Lindsey District Council however, are completely unaffected.

A WLDC spokesman said: “Waste collections will be picked up as per usual, so please have your bin out if it is your usual bin day.”

Police Community Support Officers, control room operators, custody assistants and town enquiry officers from across the county are also amongst those who will be taking part in strikes.

A UNISON spokesman said that Police force staff are already feeling the pinch of pay cuts, increments freezes and job cuts, as Government ministers propose a further cut of 3 per to their salaries.

UNISON Branch Secretary Deborah Parker said: “The most scandalous element of the ministers’ proposals is that the additional money we are being asked to pay will not go into the pension fund, but straight to treasury coffers - how can this be reasonable?”

She added: “This is a difficult dispute for us, as our grievances are not with Lincolnshire Police but with the Government ministers, we are left with no other choice than to join the day of action.”

The following schools will be closed on the day:

- Blyton Cum Laughton Church of England Primary School

- Hemswell Cliff Primary School

- Willoughton Primary School

- Queen Elizabeth’s High School

- Trent Valley Academy

Local UNISON members will be marching through Lincoln this morning.

How have the strikes affected YOU?

Email [email protected] or call 01427 615323 and let us now.