HUNDREDS of council staff in York are expected to take part in a day of protest over Government plans to increase the retirement age for public sector workers.

The York City branch of Unison, the biggest public sector union, is currently holding talks to decide whether to stage a protest in the city, or encourage local members to join protests in Leeds or London.

The protest day, on February 18, will involve millions of union members from across the public sector in marches, rallies and lobbying Parliament.

Peter Household, general convener of the York City branch of Unison, said he expected the majority of the 2,500 members of Unison in the York area to join the protest.

He said: "We haven't decided what we are going to do, but we will certainly be doing something, whether it is a local event in York or going to Leeds or London.

"All I can say is that this assault on pensions is a major issue for local public sector staff."

The Government plans to make changes to public sector pensions, including raising the normal retirement age from 60 to 65 and increasing the age at which people can take early retirement from 50 to 55.

The changes are due to come into effect in April.

Unison general secretary Dave Prentis has warned that the Government position on pensions could lead to conflict.

"The one thing public sector workers used to be able to rely on was their pension, but the Government has turned that promise into quicksand," he said.

To coincide with the campaign day, the Trades Union Congress, which is co-ordinating the union protests, is seeking a meeting with David Miliband, the Cabinet Office minister with responsibility for the Public Services Forum.

Jamie Sims, City of York Council's principal human resources consultant, said: "Unison has not contacted us about a proposed day of protest, but we have regular meetings with the York City branch and will raise the issue with them at the earliest opportunity."

Updated: 08:54 Friday, January 14, 2005