Hands off civil servants’ pension rights

Public services not private profit campaign lobby of parliament - photo Paul MattssonHEADLINES SUCH as "No. 10 orders shock U-turn on pensions," (Sunday
Times, 25 June) infuriated trade unionists in the civil service.

They were based on a ‘leaked’ memo from the Cabinet Office to John
Prescott. This suggests that the government was considering reneging on
assurances that protected existing pensions entitlements for current
civil servants and forcing workers to make far bigger contributions.

An activist in the largest civil service union, PCS, told the
socialist: "If there’s any hint that the government intends to renege on
its current set of promises, there will be a massive backlash from union
members. Civil service workers are spitting blood. They thought we were
safe after last year’s settlement.

"PCS’s national executive will hopefully be considering the new
scheme proposals at its July meeting. That meeting should be able to
consider the full range of proposals and then what recommendations it
will be making to members for action.

"Members are waiting anxiously. PCS members’ vote for action on
pensions was bigger than that on jobs. Industrial action could be back
on the agenda for civil service workers."