POLICE auxiliary staff across Mid Cheshire are to take strike action over pension cuts.
UNISON members at offices including the Cheshire police headquarters in Winsford and Northwich police station will walk out on Tuesday, affecting many areas including call handling, the 999 system and the crime recording bureau. Scene of crime officers and police community support officers will also be taking part.
The union is one of 12 protesting at Government proposals to cut pensions for all members of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
Cheshire police UNISON branch secretary Liz Morris said: 'Our members provide essential services to this community. After years of dedicated service, they are now being told that the pension they were promised and that they have saved for will be cut while the salaries of police officers, teachers, nurses and firefighters have been protected.'
Both the Cheshire Police Authority and the Chief Constable oppose the Government's proposed pension changes
and wish to see a 'fair and equitable' pension scheme.
A spokesman for the CPA, currently engaging in a radical programme of workforce reform, said: 'In the future, the aim is police staff members will play a much more significant role in front line service delivery where they will work more closely with police officers in highly complementary roles.
'The Authority cannot support a proposal where police officers and police staff who will be working along side each other are treated differently.'
Police say during the action essential policing services will be maintained and seek co-operation from the public.
Council service disruption
COUNCIL staff will be taking part in strike action on Tuesday - and bosses admit some services will be affected.
Vale Royal Borough Council leader Keith Musgrave said: 'This is a dispute between the trade unions and the Local Government Association and it is unfortunate that as a result of this some of the council's services may be disrupted. We will continue to
provide all key services although we anticipate that some may be offered at a reduced level.'
Residual refuse collection will be maintained, while council chiefs will try to ensure the recyclable's collection and containers should be put out as normal. If they cannot be collected, they will be collected in a fortnight's time.
Council's offices, centres and facilities will be open apart from The Information Centre, Northwich, The Junction, Winsford, and the New Vic on Neumann Street, Northwich.
Cllr Musgrave added: 'I would ask all residents and customers to contact the council on its 24-hour helpline on 01606 862862 if they wish to enquire about the availability of services on that day.'
