Cameron inviting industrial and legal action by refusing negotiations

Cameron inviting industrial and legal action by refusing negotiations

Cameron inviting industrial and legal action by refusing negotiations

Cameron inviting industrial and legal action by refusing negotiations

Speaking after a meeting with prime minster David Cameron, which he attended with other trade union leaders and the TUC this morning, PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said:

“David Cameron’s claim that he wants to maintain a discussion with the unions is undermined by him saying in the next breath that he’s not prepared to negotiate on the specific issue of the change from the RPI to CPI index for public sector pensions – which represents a massive cut in the value of pensions.

“If his government will not agree to full and meaningful negotiations, then these meetings and fine words are pointless, and simply invite industrial and legal action.

“We will not allow ourselves to be drawn into accepting cuts to welfare, attacks on public services, mass job losses, and cuts to pay and pensions, with the occasional promise of tea and a cosy chat in Downing Street.

“The Unite general secretary Len McCluskey has said today that we must oppose all cuts and we absolutely agree with him.

“For our opposition to be effective, we have to say there is no need for cuts, and that they are being driven by a political imperative, not out of necessity.

“The coming year will be one of the most defining 12 months in recent history. PCS is committed to uniting with other unions to co-ordinate action both industrially and in our communities to help build on what is already a promising movement against the cuts.”

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, as well as staff 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

– Follow PCS on Twitter http://twitter.com/pcs_union