With just a week to go to the pensions day of action on 30 November, UNISON general secretary has thanked members for their efforts so far in voting for action – and urged a massive turnout on the strike day itself.
“I know this is a big step for every UNISON member, and not one we take lightly,” said Mr Prentis.
“But I want to thank everyone everyone for the tremendous ballot result which saw a clear mandate for Wednesday’s action. I know that was a decision which required a lot of thought and courage from so many members.
“But even the vote itself has had an effect, bringing ministers to the negotiating table to talk seriously.”
But, he said, “the clear message sent in the ballot – that UNISON members would not stand by and see their pension arrangements torn up to pay for a crisis we did not cause – needs to be backed up by a real show of strength on the day of action on 30 November.
“Let’s make 30 November a day to remember and one that ministers can’t ignore! For fair pensions for all, now and into the future.”
Ahead of next week’s strike, Mr Prentis urged members to contact their MPs and get them to back the call for fair pensions, and help prevent poverty in old age, by supporting a parliamentary Early Day Motion – EDM 2228 – which warns of the dangers that the government’s proposals for public service pensions entail.
It’s easy to do: just click on this link http://action.unison.org.uk/pensionchanges, put in your personal details and follow the instructions.
Will you be taking action on 30 November? Keep in touch and let us know what you’re doing.
You will be able to send a message on the day, which will be linked to an interactive map of the UK, on our website at http://action.unison.org.uk/n30 or email our editorial team at infocus@unison.co.uk
And you can send us your videos by uploading them to YouTube, and then emailing us a link to unisontv@unison.co.uk. We may use them in our coverage of the day of action.
You can also tweet your pictures on the day or after at http://www.twitter.com/unisontweets. Or add them to Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/unisontheunion.