Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/649/10702
From The Socialist newspaper, 1 December 2010
A united battle for pensions
On top of the fight against cuts is the battle to save the pensions of five million public sector workers. The government has told us to expect to pay 3% more in our pension contribution rate from April, taking it to nearly 9%-10% of our salary. Then they are coming back for more.
The decision of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) executive to ballot on pensions in the next couple of months is a step that should be grasped by all the public sector unions to prepare for a public sector wide general strike in defence of pensions.
Incredibly, some at the top of Unison are arguing that it is too 'premature' to ballot with the NUT as "we don't know the exact detail of the Hutton proposals until April". It is clear that the death warrant has been signed, but Unison's leaders would have us waiting until we are on the gallows before saying we could do anything about it.
The public sector unions must launch the campaign to save our pensions. Even Unison general secretary Dave Prentis has said this was the issue that there would be united national action on.
Public sector workers forced the New Labour government into a retreat on pensions in 2006 - now we can do the same to the Con-Dems. A massive strike that could force the government to back down would give enormous confidence to workers that this government can be beaten.
A Unison member
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In The Socialist 1 December 2010:
Youth Fight for Education
Young people lead fight against cuts
We can win: student struggle must escalate
Socialist Party editorial
Unity - but not unity of the graveyard
How can an anti-cuts movement be built? Coalition of Resistance conference report
Anti-cuts campaign
Riot police called to Lewisham town hall lobby
Irish working class in huge show of defiance
Fight against cuts continues to grow
Coventry council - stop job cuts
NHS walk-in centre saved, but campaign continues
Anti-racism
Nuneaton protest against racist EDL
The Socialist Interview
Len McCluskey speaks to The Socialist: Building workers' confidence
Socialist Party workplace news
PCS: Vote 'yes' for action against cuts
London Underground strike most solid so far
Wales TUC leadership tries to stifle action to stop the cuts
International socialist news and analysis
North Korean artillery attack raises tensions
Portugal: 'Biggest strike action ever'
Climate change
Climate change: Socialist planning needed to avert a global catastrophe
Readers' comments
Our health - A market for big business
Bankers: The new untouchables?
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