Scottish govt can’t say ‘a big boy increased contributions and ran away’

Unions are demanding a 'clear statement' from the Scottish Government on hikes to pensions contributions. A story in The Herald newspaper quotes a union socurce as saying "There are literally hundreds of thousands of workers’ pensions in Scotland which the SNP has a remit over and it can’t say ‘a big boy increased the contributions and ran away’.

Neighbours by Benjamin Zephaniah

I am the type you are supposed to fear
Black and foreign
Big and dreadlocks
An uneducated grass eater.

Pensions: demographic double dealing & the battle for public opinion

'The likes of Mr Prentis must count on public opinion being dynamic: if their lives are disrupted enough, voters may want the government to sue for peace' says the Economist, reducing the pensions dispute to an industrial trial of strength. For a magazine which aims "to take part in a severe contest between intelligence, which presses forward, and an unworthy, timid ignorance obstructing our progress” it might at least acknowledge that the reforms agreed in 2006 dealt with the same workforce demographic issues which its editorial writer and the ConDems (and Lord Hutton) are now using to justify the latest attack on our pensions:http://www.economist.com/node/21529070

Shropshire UNISON branch under attack for fighting cuts

In yet another act of retribution by a Tory led Council, the local UNISON branch in Shropshire faces drastic cuts in union facility time. UNISON members have this week voted to take strike action in opposition to imposed cuts in pay and conditions: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-shropshire-14898257

Cyclists to mark International Brigades' 75th anniversary

A group of cyclists will set off from Edinburgh next Monday (19 September) for a tour of Britain and Ireland to remember the volunteers from the British Isles who joined the International Brigades.

Organised by the National Clarion Cycling Club 1895 (NCCC), the IBMT-supported ride will mark the 75th anniversary of the formation of the International Brigades in October 1936 to fight General Franco’s fascist-backed revolt against the Spanish Republic. http://www.international-brigades.org.uk/

Unions call national day of action over pensions on 30 November

30 November. The date has been named for a nationwide "day of action". Massive and historical joint union action against pensions cuts. Start working for the ballot now. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14907909

Unity is the Key, Unity and Action

Following Dave Prentis’ announcement that UNISON would be balloting 1 million workers, Congress came alive this morning, as union after union joined the debate on the pensions composite.

Prentis declares 'Enough is Enough' - Full Ballot for Action is Underway

#TUC11 As we reporteded this morning, Congress rose to applaud Dave Prentis' announcement that UNISON was giving notice to 9,000 employers that we are balloting for industrial action. Here we print his speech in full...

"UNISON represents one million public services workers and the campaigns we are fighting aren’t just about pensions
They aren’t just about jobs and pay
They are about the kind of society we leave to our children

Unions pile into joint pension action

#TUC11 The GMB and the EIS have just told Congress they will also ballot on 'long and hard' action on pensions. This follows UNISON, Firefighters, Unite and PCS all pledging "unprecedented" joint action in the "fight of our lives". In an historic morning, union after union is stepping up to the rostrum to announce ballots.

Standing ovation as Prentis calls for pensions action

#TUC11 UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentis' has called for co-ordinated joint union mass action against pensions cuts. The announcement was met with a standing ovation at the TUC Congress in London this morning. A further joint union statement is expected later. Check back with UNISONActive for more details.