West Berkshire braced for mass strikes
How will you and your family be affected by Wednesday's strike?
LARGE swathes of West Berkshire could come to a standstill on Wednesday as thousands of teachers, nurses, police officers and civil servants gear up for strike action.
The largest mass walkout since the General Strike of 1926 is expected to take place after 26 unions voted to take industrial action in a row over public sector pension reforms.
At least 35 schools in the district have announced plans to close, and with large numbers of West Berkshire Council staff expected to strike benefits offices, libraries and even public lavatories could all be closed.
The council said it is still trying to build a list of the departments affected, but it hopes to maintain “vital” services.
Thames Valley Police will be releasing information tomorrow (Tuesday) on how the strikes will affect police stations and beat officers.
A spokesman for the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Joe Wise, said: “The Emergency Department will also function as normal but we always advise the public that it is for emergencies and we would ask people to think about the Choose Well message and consider which source of help best suits their needs - including self care, their local pharmacy, GP, minor injuries unit or walk-in centre.
“Should the need arise to alter arrangements we will, of course, ensure we try to contact patients affected to give them as much notice as possible."
Up to two million people around the country are expected to take part in the demonstrations, with a large Berkshire march planned to begin in Reading at 12.15pm which will contain thousands of members of different unions.
Unions claim a Government plan to reform pensions could wipe 15 per cent off the total value of their pensions while making staff work for longer before they can retire.
The government says reform is needed as people are living longer, and this week Chief Treasury Secretary Danny Alexander has warned recent improvements to the government's offer could be withdrawn if the strike went ahead.
If you are affected, whatever your view, get in touch with us by contacting mark.taylor@newburynews.co.uk or by calling (01635) 564532.
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