PCS: Public sector pensions cuts deliberately provocative
Mark Serwotka, Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union general secretary, criticises government attitude towards public sector pension talks:
"We have been heavily criticised by the government for balloting for industrial action while talks are ongoing and yet Danny Alexander now appears to be admitting that ministers are not planning to change their minds.
"This proves we were right when earlier this week we described the talks with the government as a farce. It's clear they had no intention of engaging in honest negotiations with us and it's clear it was the right decision for our members to vote for a strike.
"Every expert who has looked at these issues recently, including the National Audit Office, has confirmed the changes we agreed just a few years ago put public sector pensions on a sustainable footing.
"Not only are these cuts unnecessary, we believe they are deliberately provocative, calculated to stoke a confrontation with public servants, and this is a deeply irresponsible way for a government to act."
