Union leader argues for national action over pension reform (From The Argus)

Union leader argues for national action over pension reform

10:12pm Tuesday 14th February 2012 in News By Alex Bennett

A trade union leader spoke to Brighton Trade Council's annual general meeting on Monday laying the case for industrial action against planned public sector pension reforms.

Mark Serwotka, General Secretary of the Public and Commercial Services Union, was a leading voice in the national strikes of November 30th last year.

The PCS, the UK's largest civil service trade union, as well as 16 other unions including the NUT, are consulting their members over the next three weeks about further strikes taking place on March 28th.

Mr Serwotka said, “We are striking for the big picture. What is on offer means working longer, it means paying more, and it means getting less. Everything we went on strike to stop is still on the table.”

The planned reforms include a £2.8 billion increase in contribution payments, linking the retirement age to the state pension age, moving from a final salary scheme to a career salary scheme, and switching from the RPI rate of inflation increases to the lower CPI rate.

There have been some government concessions for those who are less than ten years away from retirement, such as keeping the final salary scheme. However under this deal pension contributions would still increase and be linked to the CPI.

Trade union members were quick to question Mr Serwotka on a strategy for future industrial action.

Several raised concerns to Mr Serwotka that any momentum created from strikes on November 30th last year was quickly dissipating.

One member said that in order to keep people involved there would have to be a clearer strategy that can be communicated to members and the public.

“What the unions have agreed is that we are going to be meeting very regularly,” replied Mr Serwotka.

“And the idea after the 28th of March will be to have a very speedy meeting, assess how its gone and then call the next action. And that action may be a variety of different methods.”

Mr Serwotka also claimed that only trade unions are placed to oppose austerity policies because of the consensus between the main political parties.

“Labour has moved so far into almost uncritical support of the way that the economy is run. It is only the trade unions who are actually advocating a different argument and a different economic solution.” Mr Serwotka said.

“Understanding the lack of mainstream political opposition gives us the key to what we have to do in order to represent and defend people.”

Mr Serwotka went on to criticise the loss of civil service jobs, totalling up to 4000 a month, as well as the governments proposed welfare cap, limiting benefits to £26,000 per household.

“The stakes are absolutely incredible,” he said.

“It's forced us to articulate an alternative.”