MORE strikes could be on the cards if Basingstoke teachers and lecturers vote to take part in planned industrial action over a pension dispute.

Last week, representatives from the regional branch of UNISON, the trade union that represents people working in public services, revealed how its members would strike if a ballot among members came out in support.

Government plans for a shake-up in the way public sector pensions are paid - and the age at which they can be drawn - have triggered anger among union members who believe the measures would leave workers out of pocket.

The majority of staff affected work at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, but now plans are in process to ballot members of the National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education (NATFHE).

John Downer, branch chairman of the university and college lecturers' union, said members - who are all based at Basingstoke College of Technology (BCOT) - will be asked if they want to join the strike when they come back after half-term.

Mr Downer said: "We have been involved in other national strikes in the last several years but the level of activism in our members is relatively low at the moment.

"But it is improving and numbers are increasing as things are less stable.

"There's much less job security and morale is low. It used to be a profession with job security and progression.

"It is the same thing that's happening nationwide and you hear different things from different colleges.

"Despite this, the standards of professionalism have remained very high but the winds of change are buffeting us more strongly than ever."

The ballot process is likely to also involve schoolteachers' union, the NUT.

The Government wants to change the Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS), meaning the pension rights of new entrants would be dramatically different than those already in it. The changes would come into effect from 2006.

If workers at the college vote in favour of a strike, they will walk out on April 14 in protest over the plans.

Ballot papers at the borough council were sent out to staff on Monday and the voting process will run until March 9.

Planned pension changes are due to come into force on April 1, which will see the age that public service workers can claim a full pension rise from 60 to 65 years of age.

But members at the council are not resting on their laurels.

Today has been declared Protecting Public Service Pensions Campaign Day by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), an umbrella organisation which represents countless different unions.

Council workers, led by the UNISON branch at the Civic Offices, will rally outside the Triumphal Gates - the entrance to the London Street pedestrian area.

Martin Tubbs, branch secretary, said: "Public sector workers value their pensions and are unhappy with the proposals the Government is forcing through.

"When in place, they will result in public sector workers getting less and working longer."

Richard King, branch secretary for the north Hampshire health service's branch of UNISON, said he was trying to rally members to show support for the campaigning council members.

And Mr Downer added that NATFHE members will also be showing support at today's planned rally.