| Leaders of trade unions not on strike today have sent messages of solidarity to those who are. UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis wrote: “I am writing to express UNISON’s full support and solidarity for your union’s day of action. We pledge to fight and campaign alongside other public services unions to secure an acceptable outcome to the ongoing discussions with the Coalition Government on public sector pensions. No worker takes the decision to strike lightly and this is an important battle for us all. Our campaigns against Tory cuts are more crucial than ever and we look forward, through the TUC, to build and mobilise a strong, effective and high profile demonstration to show our solidarity in fighting for a fair deal for all our members.” NUJ general secretary Michelle Stansistreet said: ”The National Union of Journalists sends support and solidarity to the thousands of trade unionists who will take part in the strike on Thursday 10 May. “We are proud to support the campaign against cuts to pensions – it is simply not acceptable for the government to make ordinary workers pick up the tab for an economic crisis of the bankers’ making. “We are urging our members to show support for the strike by attending local picket lines, rallies and events.” And TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes tweeted: “Supporting public sector workers in their struggle to defend their hard fought and won pension rights. An injury to one is an injury to all!” |