PCS: Danny Alexander proves talks were a farce

Friday, 17 June 2011 1:11 PM

Responding to reports that Danny Alexander will later today (17) announce the government will not change its mind on cutting public sector pensions, Public and Commercial Services union general secretary Mark Serwotka said:

"We have been heavily criticised by the government for balloting for industrial action while talks are ongoing and yet Danny Alexander now appears to be admitting that ministers are not planning to change their minds.

"This proves we were right when earlier this week we described the talks with the government as a farce. It's clear they had no intention of engaging in honest negotiations with us and it's clear it was the right decision for our members to vote for a strike.

"Every expert who has looked at these issues recently, including the National Audit Office, has confirmed the changes we agreed just a few years ago put public sector pensions on a sustainable footing.

"Not only are these cuts unnecessary, we believe they are deliberately provocative, calculated to stoke a confrontation with public servants, and this is a deeply irresponsible way for a government to act."

ENDS

Notes

- For information and interview requests contact PCS national press officer Richard Simcox on 020 7801 2747 or 07833 978216

- The Public and Commercial Services union represents civil and public servants in central government. It has more than 300,000 members in over 200 departments and agencies, and in parts of government transferred to the private sector. PCS is the UK's sixth largest union and is affiliated to the TUC. The general secretary is Mark Serwotka and the president is Janice Godrich - on Twitter @janicegodrich

- Follow PCS on Twitter @pcs_union

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