Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The biggest rail workers' union is joining the public sector pensions dispute by balloting its members working for a city's metro service, it was announced today.
The Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said workers on the Tyne and Wear Metro in Newcastle will vote on whether to take industrial action.
General secretary Bob Crow said: "RMT has always said that where there is scope for us to organise and co-ordinate strategies with other trade unions that we will do just that.
"Tyne and Wear Metro workers are directly affected by the attack on the Local Government Pension Scheme and we have no hesitation in balloting for action.
"It is a scandal that workers who have made pension provisions and planned for the long-term are taking the hit for a financial crisis created by the reckless and greedy actions of the spivs and speculators from the banks and business sector.
"Wherever RMT members are threatened by the ConDems' austerity cuts we will fight back and wherever there is an opportunity to co-ordinate our campaigns and actions with fellow trade unionists to maximise our impact we will seize it."
Several public sector unions are planning to ballot workers for industrial action in protest at controversial Government plans to increase pension contributions by 3.2%.
The TUC has called a day of action on November 30, threatening the biggest outbreak of industrial unrest for years.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments