Hundreds of workers poised to take strike action

HUNDREDS of public service workers in Peterborough are expected to take strike action today in protest at planned changes to their pensions.

Union leaders say that about 700 of their members could take industrial action causing disruption to some key services across the city.

The civil service union, PCS, also has further strike action planned with other unions for next month.

Today’s strike could hit services at Peterborough’s Passport Office, the Crown and magistrates’ court and Jobcentre.

The workers will be among thousands of civil servants nationally who are expected to go on strike hitting airports, ports and even some Ministry of Defence bases.

PCS regional secretary Richard Edwards said the action was in protest at Government plans to cut pay, pensions and jobs.

He said: “Analysis shows our pensions are affordable now and in the future but the government is raiding them to pay off a deficit caused by the recession and bailing out the banks.

“Not a penny of this public sector workers’ tax will go to our mem- bers’ pensions.

Mr Edwards said: “Members are concerned they will have to work eight years longer before retirement and pay in more and yet receive less of a pension.”

A spokesman for Peterborough Passport Office said: “Robust contingency plans have been drawn up and will be put into operation to deal with any strike action.”