Public-sector workers to strike over pensions

SCORES of public-sector workers from Oldham are preparing to take industrial action tomorrow over proposed changes to their pensions.

The strike, which sees a number of unions joining forces on the picket line, could cause disruption.

Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) reveal driving tests, court hearings and lectures could suffer.

Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust say expected action is exclusively to their pathology service and estate departments.

Only Unite is involved from NHS Unions.

A trust spokeswoman said: “Patients already booked to attend any of our hospital services should turn up for their appointment as normal.

“The union is providing emergency cover. There may be some delays.”

Learner drivers should turn up for their practical driving test tomorrow at Failsworth Driving Test Centre, despite the potential risk of strike action.

Individuals will be able to claim out of pocket expenses if the test doesn’t go ahead, but only if they attend.

The strike action will not affect theory tests, which go ahead as normal.

Hearings at Oldham Magistrates Court are expected to go ahead, but some workers could still go on the picket line.

Oldham College and University Campus Oldham say they are running as normal – with cover in place, if necessary.


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