Pensions - Local Government up for the fight

#uNDC11 With a complete display of unity of purpose UNISON’s Local Government conference opened today in Manchester by debating “the fight of our lives” to defend members pensions.

Ridiculing and wishing “eternal quarantine for the thieving ginger tom cat” that is Danny Alexander, Heather Wakefield made it clear that we not only intend, but “will defend our pensions” from the Tory Toffs intent on making us “pay more, work longer and get less”.

Condemning the “virus of lies” spread in the media about the LGPS Jonathon Sedgebeer on behalf of the SGE called for the same spirit as shown on March 26th across the country in defence of our deferred wages and the future of the schemes across public services.

One after another, delegates urged activists to ensure that when we have to go on strike we are well prepared and “bring the country to a standstill and the government to its senses”.

As the real ‘Big Society’ public sector workers make a massive difference across all walks of life. Providing vital services to the vulnerable and sick means public sector workers “really matter to society, so we need to fight back and build a coalition of resistance amongst not only our members but service users and the wider community ” said Stephanie Herd.

Recognising that this will be more than one day of action every speaker urged all delegates to go back to their branch, recruit and build for the battle to come.

Sending solidarity and support to those unions taking strike action on the 30th June, the Service Group unanimously supported the motion with a strong clear message - We will take strike action if this Government continues to make us pay for the bankers crisis by paying more, working longer and getting less!