PCS: Coalition deal is a blueprint for cuts, unions says
The programme for government published today (20 May) by the Tory/Liberal Democrat coalition is a blueprint for cuts and privatisation, the Public and Commercial Services union says.
The union is particularly concerned by plans for massive cuts of 25% in the Ministry of Defence, which could hit jobs and seriously damage the services civilian staff provide to our armed forces. Since 2004 25,000 jobs have been cut from the Ministry of Defence with a further 10,000 threatened for 2010 to 2013.
The proposals to extend the welfare reforms initiated by the previous government also represent an attack on the vulnerable at a time when unemployment is rising due to the recession. While there is no detail at this stage, the union fears plans for a new single work programme could mean further privatisation of welfare provision.
The document published by the government states that reducing the deficit will take precedence over any other measures outlined, which the union says means cuts and not investment will be the priority.
At the union’s annual conference yesterday, delegates backed a major call for joint trade union action against cuts to jobs, pay, pensions and public services.
PCS general secretary said: “Since 2004, tens of thousands of jobs have been cut from the civil service and many areas are already at breaking point. Further cuts in the Ministry of Defence are not only unnecessary but could seriously damage the support role provided by civilian staff.
“Low-paid, hard-working public servants should not be made to pay for an economic crisis caused by greed in the financial sector.
“With unemployment back over two million for the first time in 15 years, there has never been a more inappropriate time to attack those claiming benefits. All the evidence is that welfare services are best provided by the public sector.
“This week at our conference we have laid the ground for a far-reaching campaign to defend jobs and public services, and will seek to work with other unions and community campaigners to oppose the coalition’s cuts and make the case for investment.”
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. It also represents workers in parts of government transferred to the private sector. PCS is the UK’s fifth largest union and is affiliated to the TUC. The general secretary is Mark Serwotka and the president is Janice Godrich
– Follow PCS on Twitter
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