EMPLOYEES at Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council are voting on whether to take strike action.
The ballot began on Monday and will close on March 9. A 'yes' vote could trigger strike action during the end of March and into April - possibly during a General Election campaign.
UNISON and the Transport and General Workers' Union have called the ballot of their members, saying workers are furious the Government is pushing through changes to public sector pensions from April, which would see the retirement age for men and women raised from 60 to 65 and changes to early retirement packages.
Louise Musa, branch secretary of Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council UNISON branch, said: 'Forcing local government workers to work longer and for a smaller pension is unacceptable.' Andy Sharp, chairman of Crewe and Nantwich TUC branch, said: 'We reject a work 'til you drop culture in public services. The government should be a role model employer and set an example for the private sector to follow.'
If there is a 'yes' vote, it is likely that the first day of action will be Wednesday, March 23.
UNISON political officer Darren Willetts said: 'As a matter of urgency, we have written to local MP Gwyneth Dunwoody, asking her to sign an Early Day Motion in Parliament to stop the Pension Regulations, before they come into force on April 1.'
