UNISON members vote yes in strike ballot

Members of UNISON, the UK's largest union, have today (3 November) voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action to protect their pensions.

The union balloted members including nurses, teaching assistants, social workers, care assistants, paramedics, police staff, school dinner ladies, probation workers and cleaners.

Overall:

Yes: 245,358
No:  70,253

Results

Local Government (Including Scotland)

Yes 171,428
No 54,500
76% in favour – Turnout 30%

NHS (including Scotland)

Yes 73,930
No 15,753
82% in favour – Turnout 25%

Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON 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, 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 the afternoon to discuss the latest Government statement on pensions and to decide what action to take as a result of the strike ballot.

Separate figures for Scotland

Local Government Scotland

Yes 21,799
No 7881

NHS Scotland

Yes 13,236
No 1,880

ENDS

Please note - No interviews we will be unable to give any interviews until after 5.30pm today, 3 November 2011.

For further information contact:

Joanne Kaye, Regional Secretary, UNISON South West
Tanya Palmer, Regional Manager, UNISON South West
Lisa Youlton, Regional Manager, UNISON South West
Helen Willis, Regional Manager, UNISON South West

c/o 01823 285318

Issued:  Thursday 3 November 2011