A day that will see thousands upon thousands of public sector workers from all professions, all parts of the country, all trade unions, all united and, more to the point, all angry – joining with one voice to tell the Coalition Government “Hands Off Our Pensions!”.
Mervyn King, Governor Bank of England, said at the Treasury Select Committee and also at the Trades Union Congress last year “The price of this financial crisis is being borne by people who absolutely did not cause it, now is the period when the cost is being paid, I’m surprised that the degree of public anger has not been greater than it has”.
The anger he speaks of, that has always been there, albeit restrained, will be given its full voice on the 30th November Day of Action.
The propaganda of government ministers, in cahoots with the right-wing press, fat cat bankers, the CBI and private sector millionaire owners have ruled the air waves with their spinning of myths and lies about our pensions.
Ironically, where this propaganda has been used to weaken us: it has made us stronger. Where it has been used to divide us: it has brought us together. Where it has been used to silence us: it has made our voice louder.
Last but not least, where it has been used to blame us: millions of accusing fingers are pointing directly back at them.
For the first time in 20 years London Ambulance staff will be taking industrial action. How more angry have people got to be?
The Coalition Government are not only forcing public sector workers to pay more, work longer and get less regarding pensions (paying more, don’t forget, not to improve pensions now or for future generations, but to pay off a deficit that even the Governor of the Bank of England publicly states was not of our doing) but by doing that, it is also condemning millions of young workers to future pension poverty in old age. If they survive to claim it.
No wonder there is anger in the air.
We held a meeting this week for all workplace UNISON stewards to discuss the dispute and plans for the Day of Action. It was a really positive meeting. Professional healthcare staff standing up for what is right. The union, from every part of the Service, standing together to oppose these changes. We are all in it together.
UNISON Workplace Stewards Outside Waterloo HQ
We all know that this dispute is not with the London Ambulance Service. Nor is it with the people of London. Unfortunately and unfairly, London Ambulance and the people of London have now been dragged into it.
Plans for the day are being put into place. Meetings are being held with Senior Management. We are talking to other trade unions within LAS. Emergency Cover for critical calls and vulnerable patients will be discussed and agreed. Members will have guidance, protection and support.
Dave Prentis, our General Secretary, has said of this dispute “our time has come”.
Don’t let it pass us by.
The Clock is ticking. Our ducks are in line!
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  Information of all issues can be found elsewhere on our website.
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We are stronger together.
Eric Roberts
Branch Secretary
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