Pension cuts could lead to mass strikes, union warns

Posted 14/06/2011

Changes to employment law that could see many workers facing reduced pensions will lead to major unrest in the public sector, one union has warned.

The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) is expecting the workers it represents to approve a proposed walkout in a ballot later today (June 15th), with the organisation suggesting as many as 750,000 people could take part in coordinated action.

This follows votes earlier this week by members of two of the country’s largest teaching unions, who also approved industrial action.

General secretary of the PCS Mark Serwotka said the strength of public feeling against cuts to people’s retirement planning means further strikes throughout the summer are inevitable.

“The government is isolated in its belief there is a need to cut pensions even further and the only conclusion to draw is that ideology is replacing reality,” he stated.

Potential reductions in future earnings may be on the minds of many people, as it was recently stated by insolvency specialists R3 that six million individuals in the UK are currently behind on their debt payments.

Anyone who is concerned about the impact new regulations could have on them should contact the specialist employment law team at Ashtons Legal for expert advice.