UP to 250,000 public sector workers in the region are to join one of the biggest mass strikes ever faced by a British Government.

Union officials estimate between two and three million public sector staff nationally could be involved – making it the biggest day of industrial action since the Winter of Discontent in 1979 and rivalling the 1926 General Strike.

Unison said yesterday its members, who range from school dinner ladies and refuse workers to social workers and NHS staff, had voted in favour of joining the TUC day of action.

The 24-hour walk-out is due to take place on November 30, when teachers, civil servants and other public sector workers will also strike in protest at the Coalition’s plans to increase the amount they contribute to their pensions.

More than 220,000 teachers belonging to the NASUWT will start voting today on industrial action, while other unions will announce their ballots in the coming weeks.

The TUC said as many as 250,000 workers from 24 unions across the North-East and North Yorkshire could join its day of action.

Protests will focus on public sector work places with a major rally planned from Gateshead to Newcastle and in Middlesbrough. It follows similar strike action on June 30.

Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude said the Government had responded to concerns over the pension deal with “a new generous settlement beyond the dreams of most private employees”.

Wednesday’s statement by Treasury chief secretary Danny Alexander included a more generous “accrual rate”, protections for those within ten years of pension age and guaranteed retirement benefits.

“The new deal is conditional on agreement being reached in the (pension) scheme by scheme talks with the unions,” said Mr Maude.

“I urge the trade unions to devote their energy to reaching agreement and not to unnecessary and damaging strike action.”

Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said the offer was a marked improvement and negotiations would continue up until the day of action.

“But it is important to understand that the statement has to be translated into offers in the scheme specific talks,” he added.

“We still have had no offer in those negotiations, where such an offer can legitimately be made.”

Mr Prentis is attending a major conference of the trades union’s northern region in Durham City, today, when more than 150 delegates will debate the future of public services.

Shadow chief Treasury secretary Rachel Reeves said: “Strikes are a sign of failure and, even at this late stage, we urge both the Government and the unions to exhaust every avenue before industrial action is taken.”

Unison said its members had voted by 171,428 in favour of the strike, with 54,500 against, in a 30 per cent turnout. NHS workers backed action by 73,930 to 15,753 in a 25 per cent turnout.

A Government spokesman said Unison’s voting figures revealed “extremely limited support” for strikes, adding the NHS had contingency plans to ensure patient care is not compromised.

Some hospital trusts across the region have already banned nurses from taking a day’s leave on November 30 – a policy some councils could also follow.

North Yorkshire County Council and Hambleton and Richmondshire district councils said they would examine how best to deliver services during the strike, while a Darlington Borough Council spokeswoman said that requests for annual leave or flexi-leave on November 30, unless previously agreed, would only be agreed in exceptional circumstances.

Clare Williams, Unison regional convenor, said: “Unison members do not undertake industrial action lightly, but this “yes” vote shows the determination of our members to defend their pensions.

“Our members have seen their pay frozen, effectively a pay cut, at a time when the cost of living is escalating; many are struggling to keep their families afloat; now they are seeing their pensions threatened.

“These are people doing jobs such as caring, educating, making our communities safer, cleaner and healthier. Ordinary people who had nothing to do with the financial crisis, yet are being made to pay the price.”

Kevin Rowan, regional secretary of the TUC, said: “We are optimistic that the Government is listening to the strength of feeling.”

Julie Young, regional organiser of the Public and Commercial Services union, said: “Hopefully it will put pressure on the Government to come up with an agreement.”