PCS: Government undermining pensions negotiations

Thursday, 28 July 2011 2:39 PM

PCS says the government's announcement this morning about public sector pension contributions makes a mockery of the ongoing negotiations and proves that the government is determined to make people pay more and work longer in return for smaller pensions.

Public servants will lose tens of thousands of pounds over their careers in increased contributions, reduced payouts, and penalties for retiring when they had originally expected too.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "These highly detailed proposals show that the government has made its mind up and is not negotiating seriously. It makes a mockery of the ongoing talks.

"We're committed to negotiation but these have to be serious - not limited to the government's predetermined outcomes.

"Already more trade unions have indicated they will take part in further strike action and today's announcement will only increase that resolve.

"The government figures confirm what we have said all along. People are going to have to pay more and work for longer, in return for smaller pensions.

"The government talks about the need to make changes to help reduce the deficit in four years. But these changes would be permanent - a life sentence for civil servants."

ENDS

Notes

- For information and interview requests please ontact Miles Barter, who is standing in this week for PCS national press officer Richard Simcox, on 020 7801 2744.

- 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

Tags:
• pcs
,
• pensions
,
• welfare and pensions