PUBLIC sector workers across East Lancashire went out on strike yesterday over plans to alter pensions.

Thousands of people took industrial action over Government plans to increase their pension contributions and extend the length of time people are expected to work.

The industrial action caused disruption at borders and driving test centres, with court proceedings, lectures and hospital operations also being affected.

Picket lines were set up outside public sector offices, including the college, Burnley General Hospital and at Job Centres across the area.

Thousands of workers from the area also took part in a mass march through central London.

The Government says current arrangements are unfair and not able to be funded as people are living longer.

But the unions claim members are being ‘robbed’ of their contractual rights and will have to pay more and work longer for lower pensions.

Union official of the PCS for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs workers in Burnley, Davina Gregson, said support for the strikes was ‘solid’, with around 90 percent of the department’s 120 workers going out on strike yesterday.

She said: “The strike was very solidly supported with members out in force fighting our cause.

“Increased contributions from our salaries came into effect for the first time last month and it’s hitting our members hard.

“It’s not as if this extra money is going into investment in pensions, it’s all being used to by the Government to pay off the deficit.

“We’re just asking them to honour our contracts.”

Chairman of the Blackburn College branch of the University and College Union (UCU), Craig Hammond, said: “The strike went really well.

“There were lots of members out in force fighting our cause — and it was well supported by the students.

“There is no reason for these changes and they are not justified, this is what we need to publicise.”

UCU member Anna Ashworth, who was also out on strike, said: “This is not just about pensions it is also about fighting to defend against the erosion of the public sector.

“If we don’t fight to defend it it will be taken away.”