Pension News TUC Threatens Strike Action Over Pensions Changes

Written by Editorial Team

04 August 2005

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) is reportedly threatening to strike over new proposals to change the pensions policy in the public sector.

The plans, which include extending the retirement age from 60 to 65, is being strongly opposed by union members who argue that those who have worked for decades should be rewarded with the pension they expected at the retirement age they expected.

The government has agreed to discuss the proposals at the annual TUC conference, but union officials believe ministers will continue to push for an increase in the pensions age and claim that confidence in pension saving is at its lowest point ever.

The preliminary agenda of the TUC Congress includes a call from Unison to back the efforts of unions to retain the current pension scheme and to take industrial action if necessary.

The TUC said: “To defend our members’ interests it will be necessary to maintain and enhance the public sector campaign alliance and to organise together for maximum pressure should further united industrial action prove necessary.”

The TUC will is also expected to call for immediate guarantees for all victims of pension fund failures and a fairer state pension system at the annual conference in Brighton this September.

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