Talks aimed at averting a major strike in local
government over pensions, were adjourned without
agreement tonight. UNISON will continue its strike
ballot of 800,000 local government members in
England, Scotland and Wales . The ballot will close on
the 9 March with a first strike date set for 23 March.
The talks, the last in a series involving the Deputy
Prime Minister and, latterly, the local government
employers, were led by UNISON General Secretary
Dave Prentis. At one stage it looked as though a deal
could be reached. The unions wanted regulations that
effectively raised the retirement age in local government
to 65 from 1 April, withdrawn. Unions were then
prepared to enter into talks about the future shape of
the local government pension scheme to take place.
The unions offered talks without preconditions, if the
regulations were withdrawn. UNISON General
Secretary, Dave Prentis, said: