Q&A: Public sector strikes

The TUC has voted to support co-ordinated strike action over a public sector pay freeze. It comes after Unison and the GMB union said they were planning the logistics of strike action if annual talks with ministers on government pay fail. The National Union of Teachers and the NASUWT teaching union have also backed a rolling programme of action in England and Wales.

What is the background to the action?

Who took part in previous strikes?

Was anyone else involved in protests?

Why is the government proposing changes?

What does the government think needs to be done?

What do the unions say?

Don't public sector workers get paid less because their pensions are better?

Has the government changed its offer at any point?