A Day of Strike Action in Oxfordshire

There were demonstrations in Oxford today by many public sector workers who were taking action against changes to their pensions.   I was interviewed on BBC Radio Oxford along with the other two main political parties about my views both on Sunday's Bill Heine programme and today on the breakfast show with Phil Gayle.

I feel it was a shame that the strike was called whilst there is still a deal on the table to be negotiated.  Also only a quarter of union members backed strike action.  It will cost the economy £500m at a time when we are all feeling the pinch.  Many people who are either self-employed or working for the private sector already have to provide for their own pensions  and many of their schemes are also changing.   Through their taxes they also have to pay for public sector pensions.

Public sector pensions are a recognition of the dedication and hard work of millions of public sector workers. But because we are all living longer, the costs of public service pensions is increasing, and will keep going up unless we do something about it - asking other taxpayers to work longer and pay more so public sector workers don’t have to just isn’t fair.

Today there was a total of 72 per cent of Oxfordshire’s 291 schools which were closed or partially closed. Only 28 per cent opened as normal.  Locally, both primary schools in Grove were closed as was Wantage Church of England Primary School.  King Alfred's College was partially open and 2 classes were closed at Charlton Primary School.  Stockham Primary School remained open.  I hope that local families were able to manage their childcare arrangements if they were trying to get to work.

Let us hope that this can be resolved and that a deal can be struck which will bring everyone back together.  I am sure that we all want the best outcome in these difficult economic times.