Shropshire strikers out in pensions row

Thousands of striking public sector workers across Shropshire today caused misery for hospitals, colleges, council offices and emergency services by walking out in the on-going pensions row.

And angry union chiefs warned the dispute was escalating and could lead to 'monthly strikes' and a 'wave of selected action' across the county and elsewhere until the Government backs down.

The workers joined an estimated 500,000 on strike nationally with picket lines at Shrewsbury, Walford and Telford colleges, the Royal Shrewsbury and Princess Royal hospitals, MoD Donnington and RAF Cosford as well as council buildings.

The latest strike has been organised by the Public and Commercial Services Union and, with the Government's pension plans already implemented in April, union bosses said anger is growing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJkOtHnYKRE&list=UUZ9J_o45yTMdUHfI8tJdqfw&index=2&feature=plcp

Under the changes, public servants will now have to work up to eight years longer, losing £15-20,000 off the value of their pensions. They are also expected to make an additional pensions contribution, which will be the equivalent of losing a day's pay every month for the rest of their careers.

Mike Edwards, programme leader in the trade union studies unit at Shrewsbury College, said hospital physiotherapists and radiologists had joined the strike, but vital hospital services would be retained.

He added: "Seven hundred Unite members who work in the fire service are striking nationally too so emergency services will be affected. People are very angry, even more so now the changes have been imposed.

"This action will only escalate and we could see monthly strikes and a wave of selected action in between until we win."

Brett Davis, president of Shropshire and Telford Trades Union Council, said: "It's hard to put a figure on it but there will be thousands out across Shropshire today."

By David Seadon