'Civil service posts are being cut on the cheap'
A SWANSEA AM has backed striking public sector workers, saying proposed changes could be the ''death knell'' for many employees.
Gower AM Edwina Hart has backed staff taking action over concerns about changes to redundancy and fears over pension cash.
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Court usher John Davies (front), and PCS Union representatives outside Swansea Magistrates' Court having walked out in protest over a row on pensions.AW080310A
Thousands of Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union members took part in the first day of a UK-wide 48-hour strike, affecting job centres and courts, and the Assembly.
Many picketed officers including Swansea magistrates court, the DVLA and pension centre, with union representatives claiming at least 70 per cent of its members had joined the action.
The UK Government insists the new rules are fair to both staff and taxpayers, and five other trade unions have accepted the changes.
But the PCS, which represents half of all civil servants, is fighting the changes — and has the backing of many Labour group members.
Gower AM Edwina Hart told a rally at Swansea'sUnitarian Church: "This is an attack on terms and conditions, and makes management think it is cheaper to make people redundant.
"Some may think it is not such a bad deal and will only affect a few, but this could be the death knell for some individuals. It is entirely short sighted in terms of Government, and I hope those who choose to cross picket lines will think long and hard.
"Public sector work is valuable as jobs and for the public, but they are also important to the economy."
The UK Government is trying to impose new rules, which would mean a maximum redundancy payment of two years salary for those earning over £30,000 a year.
But the deal could mean that long service workers could lose as much as a third of the pension, according to the PCS, whose ballot for strike action was supported by nearly two thirds of its members.
Swansea PCS branch organiser Roger Langley said: "We have had marvellous support on the picket lines today.
"It is about the government wanting to make the civil service work on the cheap.
"If it leads to a ten per cent cut of civil service jobs, then how much of an impact will that have on Swansea?
"Swansea needs an economy that is growing.
"Other trade unions have accepted the offer on the table but we stand firm and say it is not enough.
"At least we are giving it a try. We take the action reluctantly but we need to defend the rights."
Pickets also gathered outside Llanelli Job Centre and magistrates court buildings.
Sonia Lowe, secretary of the PCS West Wales branch, said: "They are trying to take away our redundancy rights.
"They want to cut the public service across the board, whatever party gets in at the General Election. They want a blank cheque to get rid of civil servants on the cheap."
nino.williams@swwmedia.co.uk
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23 Comments
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by Anon, Neath
Thursday, March 11 2010, 2:09AM
“Tony, Neath.
Who wrote your posting? Gollum? Vote Plaid, if you want Wales to become an even bigger joke.”
by Dictionary Corner, Swansea
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 6:55PM
“Dickhead spotter!, Swansea - You need to drop the 'spotter' part of your name, as you must hate yourself by now!”
by Tony, Neath
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 5:24PM
“There is good and bad in unions but in council thoses who hold cabinet posts are on a good thing a normal councilor member like myself who do not claim expemces are out to look after number one. cant you trust labour NO can you trust Conservitives NO can you trust Plaid YES because in Neath we are fighting for the workers fighting to keep the care home and looking after the elderly.
So for a better say for Wales as I keep saying vote Plaid and get a better say for Wales in Westminster we have the Fear some three now we want the magnificent 7 so we can get a better say for Wales.
I will be surprised if this coment is posted”
by Dickhead spotter!, Swansea
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 4:13PM
“I did it because Dickheads hate it...!”
by Dictionary Corner, Swansea
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 3:50PM
“Dickhead spotter!, Swansea - Why use a semi-colon when a comma would have done after the word 'been' and why capitalise the 'K' of the word keep!? Or is the first part of your name coming to the fore!?”
by Dickhead spotter!, Swansea
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 3:30PM
“Dictionary Corner, shouldn't that have been: Keep dancing around your Handbag?”
by Dictionary Corner, Swansea
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 2:17PM
“Stacey, Swansea - As Computer is a name of an object, it can be capitalised! You should have used a comma after the word 'Corner' in your last posting and not a 'dash', you stupid girl! Keep dancing around your handbag, Stacey!”
by charlie golf, swansea
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 11:05AM
“How about a fact or two to spoil the nonsense being spouted here.
1. The civil servants who are on strike have a contract of employment.
2. The government have renaged on it. (Yes I know they believe they negotiated.)
3. This is not about pensions-READ the article. It is about the agreed compensation paid for compulsary redundancies. 4. The change is unfair to those on the wrong side of an arbitrary date, and has a big effect.
Finally, for the pension whiners: the pension rules for new entrants HAVE changed significantly; and the civil service negotiated lower rates of pay historically to reflect the pension.
The gold plated pension for someone doing 30 years, ending on £23,000 will be a princely £165 a week. Taxable and earned.”
by James, Swansea
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 9:21AM
“Quote "The UK Government is trying to impose new rules, which would mean a maximum redundancy payment of two years salary for those earning over £30,000 a year."
Is this some sort of joke or does it highlight the total lack of respect for us Private sector workers paying for these idiots in the private sector? Does us a favour Edwina and shut your mouth because behind closed doors there is serious discontent. 70 people turned up because it was a day off for them nothing more.”
by Teifion, LLandovery
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 9:00AM
“To Anon in Neath - plenty that Maggie did was needed at the time BUT she also brought in an American on a HUGE salary to destroy the mines.
Surely that where all these HUGE salaries started for anyone in the council, health or any other state funded service resulting in 1000s of mediocre managers being paid more than the Prime Minister for their large responsibilities
WHAT? do they send young men to die in wars.
Put us into hock of near a TRILLION pounds, etc etc”