Four members, four parts of the Public Sector: one struggle: All out on November 30th!

In the build up to the biggest strike in a generation, over public sector pensions, which starts at midnight tonight, the UNISON West Midlands Region, has uploaded to YouTube four very short films (only minutes long).

Tony Rabaiotti, Regional Manager, heading up the pensions dispute in the West Midlands, said:

"These films feature members, some who have not been on strike before. They are saying enough is enough. Many are also suffering from loss of pay, real cuts to their terms and conditions, possible job loss, and are struggling to make ends meet as retail and fuel prices rocket. Their voices reflect on the potential impact of the proposed changes to public sector pensions, to their lives and their families lives, now and in the future."

In light of the Industrial Action planned for 30th November by public sector workers Stafford and Stone CAB will be running a special advice session.

10am – 3pm on Wednesday 30th November at 131-141 North Walls Stafford And by telephone on 01785 258673.

For anyone affected by the strike action or for anyone involved in the Industrial action and needing advice on their position.

We now have a ready reckoner for the LGPS scheme available on UNISON's website.

This one gives the changes in contributions rates for the two different CLG options and show the reduction in take home pay.

http://www.unison.org.uk/pensions/reckoner_lgps_pay.asp

This one shows how much longer will people will have to work, and how much pension will they will lose.

http://www.unison.org.uk/pensions/reckoner_lgps_lose.asp

There's less than a week to go until the Pensions Ballot Hotline closes at midday on 31 October.

The ballot closes on Thursday 3rd November.

If you should be balloted over the proposed strike action on pension changes, but have not received a ballot paper - or who need a replacement paper - you only have until midday on Monday 31st October to phone the ballot hotline on 0845 355 0845.

New recruits can also take part in the vote - if you phone the hotline before noon on Monday and request a ballot paper.

Anyone recruited after that date will not be able to vote, but they can still take part in the proposed action on 30 November with legal protection.

The hotline can only deal with direct individual queries from members about their own circumstances.

Look out for your ballot paper asking you to vote for industrial action to protect your pension - your retirement is at stake.

We are asking you to vote YES because proposed changes to your pension scheme simply aren't fair.

This is about your future, about the sort of life you want when you stop working.  You pay into your pension to give you security and dignity in retirement.

What Does Lord Hutton Have in Store For Our Pensions On Thursday 10^th March?

What does the future hold for our pensions?

Today Protect Our Pensions campaign tries to anticipate what might be in the Independent Public Service Pensions Commission’s (IPSPC’s) Report which is expected to be published on Thursday March 10th. The IPSCPC was chaired by former the Labour Government Cabinet member Lord Hutton.