Cambridge Labour Party will be supporting teachers, council staff, hospital workers and many others employed in public services in their day of action to protect pensions, next Wednesday November 30th. Party members and supporters are encouraged to join the rally on Parker’s Piece at 12.30 which is expected to attract many thousands.
Chair of Cambridge Labour Daniel Zeichner says that the responsibility for the disruption of services lies squarely with the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats in Government: “Without any consultation, the Government has changed the way inflation increases for pensions are uprated. Their action is being challenged in court, but in the meantime, every pensioner, current and future, is worse off, in many cases by many thousands of pounds. They are now demanding that public service workers pay an extra 3% which will not be used for pensions – in effect, an extra tax levied solely on those working in the public sector. In these circumstances it is entirely reasonable that, as a last resort, public servants register their anger. Labour negotiated a sustainable long-term agreement for public sector pensions which ensured that the interests of tax-payers were protected – we are proud of that achievement which was fair to everyone. The Conservative / Liberal Democrat proposals are not only unfair, they risk driving thousands of workers out of pension schemes, leaving them dependant on means-tested benefits in retirement. Bad economics, as well as bad politics, but consistent with their other flawed policies which are causing such damage to our economy.”
Labour would temporarily cut VAT to kick start the flat-lining economy and give welcome relief to hard-pressed families in Cambridge.
We can't cut the deficit without growth and jobs. It's time for action.
