CIVIL servants from all over York were expected to form picket lines and join a huge demonstration in the city centre against Government pension reforms today.

The one-day strike is part of a national day of action involving many thousands of public sector works, including school teachers.

Ian Craven, chairman of the city committee of the Public and Commercial Sector Union, was one of those co-ordinating mass action in York.

He said he expected to see picket lines outside many York public sector buildings including the tax office and the headquarters of the Crown Prosecution Service in Piccadilly.

The Revenue and Customs office in Hilary House in St Saviours Place was also expected to be picketed.

Mr Craven, who also represents civilian Ministry of Defence workers in York, said: “We will have a picket line at Imphal Barracks, RAF Linton-On-Ouse and at Menwith Hill.

“There is strength of feeling over the way that their pension schemes are being denied and attacked by the present government.

“We have examples where the amount that people are paying each month is £40 or £50 extra – that’s a tax on wages.”

However, one business leader said the action could have a huge impact on companies in the region who have links with the public sector and on parents having to stay away from work to look after children.

Susie Cawood, head of North Yorkshire and York Chamber of Commerce, said: “We don’t need this angst for parents and businesses. It’s hard enough to juggle childcare anyway and because of this they will have to take a day off sick or use annual leave.”