Standstill (From Free Press Series)

Standstill

COUNCIL services were at a standstill yesterday as hundreds of public sector workers took part in the national pensions strike.

Schoolchildren received a day's respite with the closure of many of Torfaen's schools, as support staff, cleaners, cooks and caretakers took part in what is understood to be the biggest walkout since the 1926 General Strike.

The doors of Pontypool Civic Centre remained closed for the day as some workers took up a picket line to show their opposition to the government's proposal to increase the retirement age of public sector workers from 60 to 65.

Members of the public driving past the picket lines blew their car horns in support of the action.

Shoppers visiting Pontypool Market were met with the sight of closed doors and padlocks.

Market traders had threatened to stage a sit-in on Monday night to prevent losing a day's business, but decided against the threat at the 11th hour.

Phil Joliffe, owner of Phil's Pantry, said he was set to lose around £200 in takings, plus a day's rent as a result of the action.

He said: "We have decided to let this strike go, but if it becomes a regular occurrence then we are going to have to do something. I am going to go to the Citizen's Advice Bureau because am I going to be reimbursed by the council or the unions?"

Panteg Cemetery remained closed for the day, as did Pontypool library and Cwmbran Leisure Centre. Disruption was also caused to the public rubbish collection.

Tom Sexton, Torfaen Unison branch manager, said the dispute was not with the local authority and said the branch apologised to the public for any disruption.

"The average pension in local government is £3,200. Our members demand parity of pensions with other public sector services, such as the NHS. If we can't trust the government with our pensions who can our members trust?" he asked. "We want parity, not poverty, for local government workers."