UNISON Ulearn Northern Ireland

Thousands of UNISON members across Northern Ireland braved the rain to protest against the government’s plans to change their pension rights. See photos from the day and read the latest update on negotiations.

Members were outside Schools, Libraries, Councils, Colleges of Further Education, Universities, Teacher’s Centres from 8am with placards and banners calling for the protection of their pensions. Across the UK 1.4million workers came out on strike with 50,000 workers in Northern Ireland not going to work. Rallies in Belfast, Omagh, Derry, Enniskillen, Newry, Stormont and Armagh were addressed by representatives from UNISON and other unions. Belfast was the largest event with over 2000 people led by UNISON parading from City Hall to Transport House where they were addressed by union leaders. Patricia McKeown stated that this day is about a fair deal for all public sector workers. “It’s not fair that the government has protected the pensions of some of our members and not others. These workers pay into their pension all their lives, after 25 years service they deserve to have the choice to retire at 60. A decent pension is important for dignity in older age.”

As a result of the day of action the government has agreed to return to the negotiating table with union leaders. UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentice praised members for coming out in such numbers “We welcome the fact that the government has just called a tripartite meeting for tomorrow and we hope that together we can resolve this unfair and discriminatory situation.”

UPDATE - April 12th
Further action suspended, as employers agree to negotiations
UNISON today agreed to recommend suspending planned industrial action over pensions after the joint unions agreed a basis for further talks with employers.

The formal decision to suspend further industrial action will be taken by the industrial action committee on Thursday, but representatives of all service groups have agreed the move.

General secretary Dave Prentis said: “The joint union/LGA statement is a positive step and that is why we have decided to suspend our planned strike action. It provides a framework to enable negotiations to take place on the future of the local government pension scheme and on protection arrangements. There is still a great deal of work to do in the detailed negotiations over these complex issues in a short time frame and we will be concentrating all our efforts on achieving a satisfactory conclusion. “

The move follows a TUC-brokered joint statement with the Local Government Association which commits both sides to:

• discussing proper protection for current members of the LGPS pension scheme if the Rule of 85 were to be abolished
• making 50% of the savings available to pay for protections, and of savings from changes to the commutation arrangements
• agreeing that changes in future should be made by agreement where possible
• negotiating a fair new-look scheme for the future.

The joint statement followed successful one-day national strike action on 28 March.

See photos of the day of protest in Northern Ireland at http://unisonni.smugmug.com/