UNISON calls on Government ministers' to negotiate

Commenting on Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander's announcement today that there was "no more money on the table" to settle the dispute over the Government's controversial pension reforms, Dave Prentis, UNISON General Secretary, said:Despite what Danny Alexander says, there is no money on the table at the moment and no offer. After eight months of talks, all we have is a statement in Parliament. Danny Alexander's words need to be translated into offers in the specific pension scheme talks, so that we have something on which to negotiate and to put to our members. And if government ministers are so worried about the impact on the economy, they should make sure that there are offers made in those talks. The strike will go ahead - it is a last resort, but dinner ladies, teaching assistants and nurses will be among millions of public sector workers walking out next Wednesday. We are willing to negotiate any time, any place, for pensions that are secure and sustainable and give people dignity in their retirement.