Pensions Campaign

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April 12, 2006

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 April 12, 2006 04:21 PM