Pension row prompts strike ballot

Unions are unhappy at the move to scrap the "rule of 85"

About 250,000 public sector workers across Scotland are being balloted over possible strike action in response to a pensions shake-up.

The prospect of possible action next month comes after a Scottish Executive move to end an early retirement scheme.

Unions are unhappy with the move to scrap the so-called "rule of 85".

This allows council employees to retire on a work pension from 60 onwards if their age and years of service add up to at least 85.

Amongst those being balloted for action are staff at Scottish Water, Lothian Buses, the Forth and Tay Bridges, the fire and rescue services and police support staff.

Retirement scheme

The unions, including the T&G, Unison and Amicus, are to ballot their members on Monday.

The executive said the retirement scheme breaches European law, but the unions dispute this.

A similar decision to end the rule has been taken by the UK Government, which is also facing opposition.

Two million workers across the UK could go on strike in what would be the biggest industrial action in 80 years.