More strike ballots

UNITE is the second local government trade union to ballot its members on strike action in response to the UK government’s plans to cut public sector pensions.

Ballot papers were issued on Wednesday and if members vote yes they will join a national day of action on 30 November, which will affect all parts of the country.

Members of the largest local government union Unison are already balloting their members on a day of action, which is likely to be followed by further strikes if a deal is not struck.

The unions claim that members will have to pay 50 per cent more towards their pension and receive 50 per cent less, merely to help the government deal with the deficit.