Members have voted in favour of striking against the government's plans to change public service pension schemes.There was a 78% majority, with 245,358 in favour and 70,253 against on a 29% turnout.The vote means there is likely to be a huge national strike on 30 November.
The 30 November "day of action" is being co-ordinated by the TUC and could involve members of 20 trade unions in the public sector. Five already have a mandate for action from earlier this year, while the others are still in the process of balloting their members.
If they all vote in favour of action, then the day may turn into the biggest co-ordinated strike since 22 January, 1979.
Yes 171,428
No 54,500
76% in favour – Turnout 30%
NHS (including Scotland)
Yes 73,930
No 15,753
82% in favour – Turnout 25%
Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON said:
“The decisive yes vote in the ballot, reflects the deep concern that our members have over Government ministers’ proposals for their pensions. “Yesterday’s statement in Parliament was a marked improvement on earlier proposals.
“But, it is important to understand that the statement has to be translated into offers in the scheme specific talks. We still have had no offer in those negotiations, where such an offer can legitimately be made.
“We support the TUC day of action on 30 November, but will be negotiating right up to then and beyond to get a fair deal for our members.” Senior lay officials of the union are meeting throughout the afternoon to discuss the latest Government statement on pensions and to decide what action to take as a result of the strike ballot.