Public sector strikes - Q&A

12 April 2012
What is the strike about?

Unions called the walkout over plans to reform public sector pensions, which the Government says are unaffordable as people live longer.

What are ministers proposing?
A three-pronged approach: A change in the way pensions are increased to the lower CPI inflation measure, implemented in April; increased contributions averaging 3.2 per cent; and longer term reforms towards a career average rather than final salary scheme with retirement age tracking state pension age.

Why is that needed?
The Government says the total cost of pensions has risen by a third over 10 years to £32 billion, while life expectancy now is 10 years higher than in the Seventies. Ministers argue they have put in place protection for the lowest paid, those less than 10 years from retirement, and for accrued rights - leaving public servants with pensions that private sector workers can only dream of.

So why are the reforms controversial?
Unions dispute claims pensions are unaffordable, and say the contributions increase is a tax that will be used to fill the Treasury coffers. They are also angry about the way ministers have handled the process, and say bad private sector pensions are no reason to attack public sector pensions.

What are the chances of getting a deal?
Despite the strike, talks have continued on how the changes will be implemented in different jobs. Ministers have set a deadline of the end of the year, which may prove optimistic - paving the way for more disputes.

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