Unison Herts

Speaking on behalf of the service group executive, Stephen Mead explained that it had been too late to formulate an emergency resolution, so he was presenting a statement from the executive instead.

In this, the exective congratulated members in higher education for their contribution to the "overwhelming Yes vote in the recent ballot".  "Around 80% supported strike action to demand fair treatment over pension rights in the Local Government Pension Scheme," it stated.

The statement emphasises members outrage at the inequalities of the pension proposals, which create a two-tier system.  mr mead cited an independent study, commissioned by UNISON, which showed that, after proposed savings in the scheme, there is enough money available to give current members the existing rights they have pasi for and provide funds for investment in any future scheme.

Even the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has been forced to admit that the funds are available said Mr Mead.

Scottish delegates told of rallies organised across the country with a mass event planned for 27th April in Edinburgh if a resolution has not been found by then.  Other delegates conveyed their branch plans and called for further events and rallies around the UK as the campaign heightens.

Conference's sense of impending action was emphasised by the news that UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis would not be able to be present to address them personally, because he was in London, waiting for talks with government officials over the dispute.

"All we are asking for  is fairness and equality" said Mr Mead, adding that "it may be a long battle".