More strikes on the agenda over pensions

Dec 7 2011 by Liam Murphy, Birkenhead News

STRIKES by public sector workers could be repeated early next year unless a deal is struck over pensions, a union leader has warned.

Last Wednesday saw hundreds of public sector workers march through Birkenhead as part of the nation-wide strike which brought much of the borough’s public services to a halt.

Schools were shut across Wirral and pickets lined the entrances to council offices as even the authority’s call centre was closed as part of the action over pensions.

Queues stretched back along the M53 as drivers were diverted from both Wallasey and Birkenhead tunnels, which had been shut.

But Alec McFadden, president of Wirral TUC which organised a march of strikers, said more strikes should be expected. He said: “Everyone was so determined and positive and we will be looking to take further action unless the Government deals with this.”

Pickets were also highly visible at Wirral’s hospitals with dozens outside both Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge sites, while the Child Support Agency and Land Registry in Birkenhead also saw active picketing.

Dave Lunn of the PCS union at the Land Registry, said it was “probably the best supported strike we have ever had”.

Elsewhere hundreds of those on strike joined a march organised by Wirral TUC from Birkenhead Park to Hamilton Square where there were speeches from local union leaders and even performance poetry from charity worker Morag Reid to entertain the crowd.