Are public sector pension strikes justifiable?

Debate has raged on whether public sector workers are right to walk out over pension disputes that have affected the entire nation.

An estimated two million are on strike over plans to increase pension contributions among public sector workers, from 6.4% to 9.6% of their salaries. The government also came under fire for announcing that the retirement age would be raised to 68, prompting mass outcry.

[Article:Have you been affected by the strikes?]

While Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander maintained that trade unions were given a fair deal over the dispute, union leaders Dave Prentis (Unison) and Brendan Barber (TUC) went ahead with strike action.

Joining assorted members of Unison and TUC are striking hospital workers, border agents, teachers and bin men, among others.

George Osborne also took the opportunity to denounce the strikes during his Autumn Statement yesterday, stating: “I would once again ask the unions why they are damaging our economy at a time like this and putting jobs at risk. Call off the strikes tomorrow, come back to the table, complete the negotiations and let’s agree generous pensions that are affordable to the taxpayer”.

Do you think the strikes are damaging to the UK economy? Is striking over the pension changes justified? Let us know whether you think public sector workers are right to strike by commenting below or by tweeting @YahooNewsUK