The strike is timed to take place the day after the Queen’s speech, which the PCS believes will announce legislation for pension reforms that increase the contributions of public sector workers, reduce the pensions’ value and increase their retirement age.
Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary, said: “The government must talk to us with the genuine aim of reaching a settlement, but if it refuses, we will press ahead with strikes and protests the length and breadth of the country in the coming weeks and months.”
Meanwhile, other civil service trade unions are currently balloting their workers over whether to accept the government’s final pension offer. The FDA trade union ballot will close on 7 May, and the Prospect Union ballot on 11 May.
Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude said: “It is very disappointing that the PCS Union has yet again called for futile and disruptive strike action, which benefits no one. We would urge the PCS to reconsider, as this strike will not now get its members any further forward.”