Strike impact to be 'minimal' (From Witney Gazette)

Strike impact to be 'minimal'

3:19pm Monday 20th March 2006 in Witney

AS many as 40,000 public sector workers across Oxfordshire are set to strike later this month as the row over Government pensions hots up.

But it is thought only a small number of local government workers will strike in West Oxfordshire.

Workers in the NHS, local government, who are members of the Local Government Pension Scheme, have voted to strike on Tuesday, March 28.

Nationally, three million workers are poised to strike in a campaign against the Government's controversial plans to increase the pension age from 60 to 65.

Locally, Unison, the public services union, has said 'life and limb' cover will be arranged for the walk-out. Staff who are not union members are expected to join staff in sympathy. County Hall and the Oxford Town Hall could effectively close on March 28, with services like planning, environmental health, and benefits payments shutting down for 24 hours.

A skeleton staff would cover acute services for the vulnerable and elderly, like home help.

A spokesman for West Oxfordshire District Council said: "The impact is going to be minimal. There are just a few members of the union in the council, but we won't know how many will strike until the actual day."

Mark Fysh, branch secretary of Oxfordshire Unison, said: "Unison notes that during the run-up to the last pension dispute, in 2005, many staff at managerial and other levels of the county council were intimidated with the phrase 'those who strike need not apply for promotion'.

"It is Unison's belief this national dispute can be carried out in a civilised manner. 'Life and limb' cover has been agreed.

"However, any intimidation of members will not be tolerated."

Steve Munn, head of human resources at Oxfordshire County Council, said: "Like all local authorities, Oxfordshire County Council has established plans to help cope with any strike action.

"They will be tailored to deal with the current set of circumstances.

"Discussions on exact detail are taking place."