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.

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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