Guardian UK: Public sector unions line up to announce strike ballots

[marmar]

Unison, the GMB and Unite have announced their decisions to hold strike ballots. Photograph: David Sillitoe for the Guardian


The government is facing the threat of the biggest outbreak of industrial action since the 1926 General Strike after unions representing millions of public sector workers served notice of ballots over pension reforms.

The country's three largest trade unions – Unison, Unite and the GMB – announced their decisions at the TUC conference on Wednesday, calling for strike action to be co-ordinated in an attempt to maximise pressure on the government.

Plans are being drawn up for a mass strike day followed by more sustained action in tactical and "smart" strikes, which would target specific services and could have an immediate impact without affecting vulnerable groups.

The mass national walkout could be timed to coincide with George Osborne's pre-budget report statement in parliament on 29 November. Unions are warning that rolling strikes could go on until next summer, suggesting that the Queen's jubilee and the 2012 Olympics could be targets. ............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/sep/14/unions-ballot-members-pension-reforms