THOUSANDS of public sector workers are taking strike action today over plans to change employees’ pensions.

Up to 65,000 people in our region are expected to take industrial action in protest at the government’s proposals to increase pension contributions and the retirement age which, according to unions, will ‘disproportionately affect’ North West workers.

Disruption is expected at borders and driving test centres, with court proceedings, lectures and hospital operations also being affected.

Peter Middleman, NW secretary for the Public and Commercial Services Union, which is leading the strike, said the changes to pension schemes would hit people in the North West hard.

He said: “Where there is economic deprivation, there are lower life expectancies and the North West is going to be disproportionately affected.

“We want to demonstrate to the government that, despite them trying to mislead the country, there is still an appetite for a fight.”

The action follows major strikes in November last year and the unions’ rejection of the government’s latest offer.

Lynn Collins, NW official for the University and College Union, said lecturers all over the region, including those from Blackburn College and UCLAN, would be protesting.

She said: “Our members are still feeling really strongly about the proposals to increase the retirement age and increase pension contributions.

"The strike is to send a message to the Government that we want to be back at the negotiating table to try to find a solution about this and get some changes.”