PCS union announces national strike over pensions

A quarter of a million civil and public servants will take part in national strikes over pensions in May and June, the Public and Commercial Services union said. The news comes amid smaller protests outside the constituency offices of ministers including Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude, education secretary Michael Gove, work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith, business secretary Vince Cable and chancellor George Osborne. A further demonstration outside prime minister David Cameron's Witney constituency is being planned with the Oxford and District Trades Council. The PCS union said the national demonstrations would take place on 10 May and in June, as part of a programme of action over cuts to pensions. Keith Johnston, PCS's London and south east regional secretary, said: "Public servants are being forced to pay more and work up to eight years longer for thousands of pounds less in retirement, at the same time as their jobs are threatened and living standards are being driven down." He added: "Our message to the minister is that instead of punishing us for problems caused by wealthy bankers, his government should be investing to help our communities to thrive and our economy to grow." This article is published by Guardian Professional . Join the Guardian Public Leaders Network free to receive regular emails on the issues at the top of the professional agenda.