Pensions Campaign
Pensions Latest
The closing date for responses to the draft Local Government Pensions Scheme Regulations 2007 which propose a new-look benefit structure for the LGPS in England and Wales has now passed. Click on the underlined items to see the letter setting out the Government proposals and the Joint trade Unions response to these.
Posted by mpearce at 09:33 AM
Pensions Negotiations - Information
Going slightly back in time, you may wish to check out the Newsletter No 1 issued by the joint unions negotiating the Local Government Pension Scheme changes. To see Newsletter No 1, click here: Download file
Posted by mpearce at 04:28 PM
Local Government Pension Scheme Negotiations Newsletter
Meetings continue following agreement on the joint statement issued with the LGA in April. The attached newsletter outlines the state of negotiations so far. Click here for Newsletter: Download file
Posted by mpearce at 01:49 PM | Comments (0)
PENSIONS NEGOTIATIONS LATEST
N43-2006 Branch Mailing: Pensions Strike Suspended as Negotiations Resumed
In negotiations held today, the eleven unions involved in this dispute were clear that sufficient progress had been made in terms of the basis for further negotiations to agree to suspend the planned industrial action.
Detailed negotiations have taken place involving Brendan Barber of the TUC, to secure the form of words agreed - see previous entry "Pensions Strike Suspended"
Particularly significant is the agreement of the employers, to the fact that 50% of the savings accruing from the abolition of the Rule of 85, and the savings from the revised commutation arrangements, will be available to fund scheme improvements, including protection arrangements for existing staff.
Until the most recent talks this week, the LGA Employers would not agree to this commitment.
Although the detailed negotiations have now to take place, the unions agreed that members should not be asked to take further strike action whilst those talks take place.
Negotiations will be taking place on the basis of the attached statement as a matter of urgency, with a view to reporting to a Tripartite Committee, which involves the Government as well, in June.
Thanks to Members
There is no doubt that it has taken the huge level of support received for the strike action on March 28th, by over a million trade union members, to secure the progress that we have. That is not to say that we have won, but at least we now have negotiations underway on an acceptable basis.
Members of Napo can be particularly proud of the support we gave to the strike action at the end of March. Members of other unions have commented that across the country, Napo action was well organised, well supported, and Napo members and our placards were very much in evidence on picket lines and at rallies. (Not to mention the front page of the Guardian; congratulations to West Midlands Branch!)
Members who keep an eye on Napo's website will see that it has constantly changing pictures of Napo members supporting the strike action on March 28th on its front page.
So "Well Done", and please pass this thanks on to members.
More information will follow on the talks once they commence.
Thanks again to branches and members for their action to date to enable us to get to this position,
Yours sincerely,
JUDY McKNIGHT
General Secretary
Posted by mpearce at 04:21 PM
Pensions Strike Suspended
Herewith TUC Statement.
Napo circular will follow.
Posted by jmcknight at 02:09 PM
PENSIONS DISPUTE
Negotiations continue and we are still hoping for a negotiated agreement.
Following further talks, Unison did not call its members in the Meat and Hygiene Service out on selective strike action this week.
If necessary, regional strike action will be called as follows:
Tues 25th April: South East, Eastern, South West and Greater
London
Wed 26th April: Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Thu 27th April: Northern, North West, Yorkshire, Humberside,
East & West Midlands.
Discussions are still being held with the other unions in respect of the possible further strike action on May 3 and 4th .
For further info on how Probation Areas fit into the regional strike pattern, click here
For Family Court members – the CAFCASS regions match the regional strike format exactly. CAFCASS Wales is not party to this dispute.
Posted by mpearce at 10:18 AM