Unite union chief says pension cuts will trigger more strikes

THE LEADER of the UK’s biggest trade union is today warning of a fresh wave of co-ordinated strikes because of continuing anger over cuts to pay and pensions which was leading the country on a “path to poverty”.

Len McCluskey, general secretary of Unite, said there was a “real likelihood” of more industrial action before the end of the year, following last November’s huge walkout by public sector workers over the government’s controversial pension reforms.

The pensions issue remained a “festering sore” among workers in the health service, education and civil service and could erupt again in the coming months, he said. Speaking on the eve of the annual TUC Congress which open in Brighton this weekend, Mr McCluskey also called for a radical change of direction to lift the UK out of recession.

Unite will press next week for a £1 an hour increase in the national minimum wage to boost low-paid workers’ spending power.