Members of the trade union UNISON at London Metropolitan University met last week and declared their intention to join the huge one day public sector strike over pensions on 30th November 2011.
The support staff at the university, based in Islington, the City of London and Tower Hamlets, met on 16th and 17th November, following the national ballots for action returned a 78% yes vote for industrial action. They declared their intention to shut down the University for the day alongside with their sister unions, the UCU and GMB.
The Students Union have also declared their support for the strike.
Dozens of UNISON members gathered to express their outrage at the government's 'pensions robbery', and lined up to show support to be photographed with a placard which reads 'I'm taking action on 30th November.
Susan Lloyd, an administrative officer, said she'd be striking on Nov 30th, because: "I haven't had a decent pay rise in years so simply can't afford to pay a further 50% more into my pension."
Jonathan McCree, added he would also be withdrawing his labour because: "Only by doing so will I protect my pension and send a message that everyone deserves one."
Eddie Rowley, who works with the student union, said: "I shouldn't have to pay 50% more in pension contributions to fund the bank bailouts!"
All the unions at the University will be on strike on 30th November, with support from the students' union, leading to a likely shut down of the two campuses. Management have promised to deduct a day's pay from striking staff but Max Watson, Chair of the UNISON Branch, said:
"The threat of losing a day's pay doesn't really compare when you look at the long term pensions robbery the government has in mind. I'll be paying over £500 a year extra for a pension that will be cut by 23 percent according to the government's proposals, and I won't get it until I'm too old to enjoy it! There's no way I'm putting up with that, and our members have made it clear they're behind this strike all the way."
For more info:
Call Branch Chair: Max Watson 0207 320 3010
http://www.londonmetunison.org.uk/unison@londonmet.ac.uk
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