Workers unite to fight cuts agenda

The two unions said they would not rule out strike action by their 1.7 million members as they joined forces to launch a mass fightback campaign in protest against the Con-Dem's planned assault on jobs and services.

The two unions are setting up a national liaison group to promote joint activity and co-ordinate a national campaign.

Events will be organised to bring together trade unionists, politicians, academics and community groups under the banner "There is an alternative."

Regional officers and organisers in both unions will twin to develop regional campaigns as well as develop links between members and activists.

They will launch a series of campaigns to protect and create jobs with calls for a tax on banks, big business and the super-rich to secure the economy.

Cancelling Trident, an end to wasteful spending on consultancy and agency staff and action against privatisation are also high on the alliance's agenda.

Unison general secretary Dave Prentis warned: "This is no paper policy, this alliance has teeth.

"Working together we can build an effective fighting machine to combat the cuts and protect vital jobs and services. And, when the circumstances are right, we will take action together."

He pledged to work with PCS across the country to promote an alternative economic vision to the Con-Dems' "monosyllabic cuts agenda."

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "The millionaires in Prime Minister David Cameron's Cabinet insist that we are 'all in this together.'

"But low-paid public-sector workers and other vulnerable members of our society do not share this view when they can see the government's plans seek to punish them for the mistakes of bankers and financial speculators."

Mr Serwotka described the alliance as a "crucial first step" towards building the united opposition needed to confront the government's spending cuts that will tear communities apart and destroy public services that everyone relies on.

Left Labour MP John McDonnell said: "We're entering one of the most radical periods of political struggle in this country and the formation of these working alliances will determine whether we succeed in protecting our communities."

Communist Party of Britain leader Rob Griffiths added: "The October spending review is likely to unveil even deeper cuts making it all the more important that the labour movement leads a massive campaign against neoliberal policies.

"This is exactly the kind of announcement we need on the eve of the TUC and its now up to the TUC to commit to these widespread wishes."