Today at the TUC (Trade Union Congress) public sector workers are to decide whether they should start down the road to coordinated industrial action. The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) has put forward a motion saying it "deplores" the "pay limit" set by the government and recommends that unions "discuss coordinated industrial action".  The proposed motion follows the PCS members at the Department for Work and Pensions rejecting a three-year deal by an overwhelming three to one.  A PCS ballot on strike action is likely to take place within weeks.

Gordon Brown told the TUC in a speech to them on Monday that he would: "always put stability first" saying: "No loss of discipline, no resort to the easy options, no unaffordable promises, no taking risks with inflation. So let me be straightforward with you - pay discipline is essential to prevent inflation, to maintain growth and create more jobs - and so that we never return to the old boom and bust of the past."
 

In reply to Gordon's speech, Mark Serwotka, PCS's general secretary, said: "Our members are not fat cats, on inflation-busting salaries.  They are not the cause of inflation; they are the victims of it."

There is a growing sense of anger amongst public sector workers. Prison guards have already taken strike action, while teachers, police and nurses have been amongst workers protesting the below inflation pay deal.

q.  Is it right that public sector workers should receive a below inflation pay increase?