Protesters fight cuts to pensions (From Warrington Guardian)

Protesters fight cuts to pensions

PUBLIC service workers in Winsford have vented their anger over proposals by the Government to cut pensions and may now strike.

Demonstrators staged a protest outside Wyvern House on Friday as part of the TUC Day of Action and will now take part in a ballot over strike action.

UNISON, the UK's largest union, claims the changes to the pension scheme would mean people worked longer in stressful jobs and retire in poverty with women, the low paid and young workers suffering the most.

Ray McHale, UNISON service conditions officer for Cheshire, said: "The protest was aimed at putting pressure on the Government over the proposed changes and in particular the changes to the local Government pensions.

"It wasn't a picket line or anything like that, it was just a demonstration by the workers."

Talks are ongoing between the Government and union representatives but strike action is now a possibility.

Mr McHale said: "We are now going to ballot on strike action.

"We won't know the results until March 9 and hopefully the talks will continue."

UNISON regional secretary Frank Hont said: "Members will not stand by and allow their pensions to be cut.

"It is not only members that are facing future poverty but their families too.

"We want the Government to stop the changes to local Government workers' pensions now and have a proper dialogue with us on this issue."