| (03/11/11) UNISON members have voted Yes to industrial action to defend pensions in the biggest trade union ballot ever held, by 245,358 votes to 70,253. Commenting on the result, general secretary Dave Prentis said: "The decisive Yes vote in the ballot, reflects the deep concern that our members have over government ministers’ proposals for their pensions. "Yesterday's statement in Parliament was a marked improvement on earlier proposals. "But, it is important to understand that the statement has to be translated into offers in the scheme-specific talks. "We still have had no offer in those negotiations, where such an offer can legitimately be made. "We support the TUC day of action on 30 November," added Mr Prentis, "but will be negotiating right up to then and beyond to get a fair deal for our members." Senior lay officials of the union are meeting throughout this afternoon to discuss the latest government statement on pensions and to decide what action to take as a result of the strike ballot. The union balloted members including nurses, teaching assistants, social workers, care assistants, paramedics, police staff, school dinner ladies, probation workers and cleaners. The turn-out was 30% in local government, 25% in health and 48% among members covered by the Civil Service scheme. In local government, the votes were: Yes 171,428, No 54,500 - 76% in favour. In health, the figures were: Yes 73,930, No 15,753 - 82% in favour. The civil service scheme ballot saw an 87% Yes vote. Seven separate ballots were held for the Local Government Pension Scheme in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, the NHS Pension Scheme in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and the Civil Service Pension Scheme. The official result of each ballot, provided by Electoral Reform Services, can be seen by clicking on the links below: Local government, England and Wales; Local government, Scotland; Local government, Northern Ireland; NHS, England and Wales; NHS, Scotland; NHS, Northern Ireland; Civil Service scheme. UNISON members who would like a copy of the independent scrutineer's report of the ballot results can obtain one from UNISONdirect on 0845 355 0845, email direct@unison.co.uk. |