PCS National Executive agrees to build for April strike on pensions

Press statement from the PCS

19 March The national executive of the Public and Commercial Services union agreed today to continue to pursue a joint union campaign against the government's cuts to pensions, including a co-ordinated national strike in April.

PCS will work with other unions to build for further co-ordinated national industrial action aimed to take place before the end of April, following any decisions taken by the National Union of Teachers at its annual conference.

The union will write formally to the government to reject the latest 'final' offer, and seek urgent negotiations, and organise targeted protests at cabinet ministers' constituencies during the Easter parliamentary break with other unions, as well as wider lobbying of MPs.

The executive agreed to offer solidarity and practical support to teachers and lecturers in London who have announced they will be striking on 28 March and to redouble efforts towards co-ordinated national action in April. The decision means PCS members will not be taking part in the 28 March strike.

In a consultation ballot with members, 90.5% voted to reject the government's offer and 72.1% voted to support a programme of further action with other unions - the highest vote for action the union has ever had.

The union has consistently said that, because the cuts are being applied across the public sector, co-ordinated national action has been necessary to win concessions, and will be necessary in future by as many unions as possible.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "Our overwhelming ballot result came in the face of continuing attacks from the government, and during a time when many people are suffering personal financial hardship.

"While we remain committed to negotiating with ministers, they have so far refused to move from their plans to force civil and public servants to work longer and pay more for less in retirement.

"We will be working with other unions to build for co-ordinated national action to successfully fight these cuts to pensions, as well as those to pay and jobs that this brutal government is inflicting on the public sector."