Statement after TUC PSLG meeting

TUC General Secretary, Brendan Barber

 

Speaking after a meeting of public sector unions at the TUC yesterday (Monday), TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'Since the day of action we have seen a new atmosphere in the negotiations. The state of play varies between sectors.

'Progress has been made in health and local government where key principles for further negotiation in heads of agreement will provide the basis for further talks in the New Year.

'It's important to stress that no agreements have been reached, but unions now have proposals to put to their executives and members.

'We have reached a stage where the emphasis in most cases is in giving active consideration to the new proposals that have emerged rather than considering the prospect of further industrial action.

'We have been talking for many months but since the day of action that involved millions and with the intensive discussions over recent days we now see change. Accrual rates are more favourable then were originally proposed, there is enhanced protection for those nearing retirement, Fair Deal protection for those whose jobs transfer out of the public sector and there will be no adverse changes to pensions for 25 years.'

Health pensions - UNISON response

UNISON, the UK’s largest public sector union, confirmed today that it has received a final offer from the government on NHS pensions, and agreed to take it back to its Health Service Executive.
Under the proposals, those less than ten years away from retirement would not face any change to their pension, and those earning less than £26,000 would be protected from an increase in contributions next year.
Also included is a pledge to consult over the impact of these changes on staff in the emergency services - including paramedics - as well as a commitment to Fair Deal. This allows those transferred out of the public sector to retain their right to stay in the pension scheme. The proposals are for a career average pension scheme, with an improved accrual rate.
The union will now take the details of the proposed scheme back to its membership-led health committee, who are due to meet on 10 January. The committee will then decide on whether to accept, reject, or formally consult NHS members on the proposals.

Christina McAnea, UNISON Head of Health, said:
"This is the government’s final offer. On some issues - such as contribution rates for the low paid next year, and for people close to retirement - we have made progress.
"On others, we always knew this would be a damage limitation exercise – aimed at reducing the worst impacts of the government’s pension changes.
"We’ve always believed public sector workers deserve decent pensions, and our members have shown they are willing to take action to defend these.

Pensions Justice Birmingham Rally

Brendan Barber speaking at the NIA

On November 30th, for the TUC's 'Day of Action', thousands of public service workers piled into Birmingham's National Indoor Arena for a rally addressed by both striking public service workers and union leaders all campaigning for Pensions Justice.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber, said "We are right to take a stand. Our campaign will go on until we have justice for every public servant."
"We found out yesterday that the government is to step up the attacks on public sector staff with a continuing pay cap and pay variation at a local level."

"This is on top of an increase in the state pension age for anyone under 40 – a toxic triple that will do nothing to get the economy moving again, but will simply hit consumer confidence."

Tony Woodley from UNITE said "We are speaking for the victims of global capitalism. It is the bankers who got us into this, but the pigs are still feeding in the trough."
UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentis, said "We say to bankers: ‘You caused this crisis and you pay for it. You should clear up this mess’."

Suzanne Rule, a newly qualified teacher from Rugby, NASUWT member and first time striker said "I am 25 and I live at home with my parents. I love them but I want to start my life. Paying more towards my pension and dealing with a pay freeze means that I and all teachers will be taking a hefty pay cut."

Lee Charlton a refuse collector at Birmingham City Council and UNITE member told the rally how the Government's raid on his pension would represent the third, real terms pay cut he will have suffered in the last couple of years

Before the rally Brendan Barber joined picket lines at Handsworth Library and at Birmingham City Hospital where he met with members from many unions, many taking industrial action for the first time.

Prior to the TUC Pensions Justice rally at the NIA, thousands of public service workers took part in a joint public services trade union march through Birmingham city centre.

Nottingham Pensions Justice day of action

Thousands of Nottinghamshire trade unionists marched through the streets of Nottingham today as part of the TUC national day of action for Pensions Justice. The march from the Forest Recreation Ground took thirty minutes to leave the assembly area before progressing to The Albert Hall for a series of speeches from both local and national speakers.
The rally was chaired by Adrian Axtell, Vice Chair of the Midlands TUC. Speakers included Heather Wakefield, National Secretary for UNISON, Keith Stokold, National Treasurer for NAPO and NASUWT Junior Vice President Mick Lyons.
Perhaps the most telling contribution was from Grace Perry, a Community Care officer from Nottinghamshire County Council who explained in detail how she would lose out in the proposed changes to her pension scheme.
The speeches were relayed outside the Albert Hall to a thousand members who watched proceedings on a large video screen while enjoying the late autumn sunshine.

Mary's Story - a Pension's tale

UNISON west midlands region have produced a striking new video on pensions in the health service. A must watch.

Solihull Pensions leafleting Saturday 30th november

UNISON’s, Solihull Local Government Branch, will be leafleting in Pine Square, Chelmsley Wood & Solihull High Street between 10am and 1pm on Saturday 19^th November. If you can help for an hour just turn up and get leafleting!

Nottinghamshire Pensions leafletting tomorrow

Nottinghamshire trade unionists are holding leafletting sessions right across the county - can you help for an hour to promote this campaign to protect public sector pensions?
Contacts below:
Nottingham Market Square, 12 noon, contact nottstc@gmail..com
Beeston 12 noon, contact Thomas.unterrainer@talk21.com for more info
Sutton in Ashfield town centre, 12 noon, contact Mick at mansfieldcentralbranch@googlemail.com
Mansfield town centre, 12 noon contact Danny on maggiekind@btinternet.com
West Bridgford, Outside Oxfam Shop contact Martin Sleath on martin.sleath@nottscc.gov.uk
Sherwood Nottingham, 12 noon, contact Richard Buckwell, richardbuckwell@hotmail.com

Regional Council takes pensions campaign to the streets of Derby

David Cameron robbing a teacher of his pension contributions
at today's Pension Justice campaign event in Derby

Today's Midlands TUC regional council was cut short to enable delegates to take to the streets of Derby to pursue the Pensions Justice campaign which is gaining ground as union ballots produce heavy results in favour of strike action later this month. Some forty trade union and trades council delegates, along with TUC staff, leaflets Derby and took the chance to engage with Saturday shoppers to explain why the industrial action is necessary.
Coverage from Central TV and the Derby Evening Telegraph will help to further promote the message that public sector pensions are affordable without increasing the contribution rate and extending the pension age.
The next day of action will be held on Saturday 19th November with events in many towns and cities across the midlands.

UNISON members vote yes in pensions strike ballot

Members of UNISON, the UK’s largest union, have today voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action to protect their pensions.
The union balloted members including nurses, teaching assistants, social workers, care assistants, paramedics, police staff, school dinner ladies, probation workers and cleaners.


Overall:
Yes: 245,358
No: 70,253
Results
Local Government (Including Scotland)
Yes 171,428
No 54,500
76% in favour – Turnout 30%


NHS (including Scotland)
Yes 73,930 No 15,753
82% in favour – Turnout 25%
Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON said:
“The decisive yes vote in the ballot, reflects the deep concern that our members have over Government ministers’ proposals for their pensions. “Yesterday’s statement in Parliament was a marked improvement on earlier proposals.
“But, it is important to understand that the statement has to be translated into offers in the scheme specific talks. We still have had no offer in those negotiations, where such an offer can legitimately be made.
“We support the TUC day of action on 30 November, but will be negotiating right up to then and beyond to get a fair deal for our members.” Senior lay officials of the union are meeting throughout the afternoon to discuss the latest Government statement on pensions and to decide what action to take as a result of the strike ballot.

Statement after pensions meeting

A meeting of the TUC's Public Services Liaison Group (PSLG) at Congress House in London today (Wednesday) agreed the following statement:

'At the meeting earlier today Danny Alexander and Francis Maude outlined a number of new proposals to the TUC negotiating team, including an improvement in the proposed accrual rates within the major public service schemes compared to their previous position, and new proposed transitional protections for those closest to retirement. They also indicated a long-term commitment to any agreed reforms not being reopened within the next 25 years.
'The PSLG welcomed this movement in the government's position which has come as a direct result of the strength of feeling and determination shown by public sector workers and the groundswell of support for the TUC's day of action at the end of this month.
'These proposals, and their detailed implications for the pensions offer within each scheme, will now need to be considered in detail within the sector specific negotiations, alongside all the other issues including proposed contribution increases, increases in the pension age, and the impact of the indexation change from RPI to CPI on which the government's position remains unchanged.
'All the unions have indicated throughout this process their determination to reach a negotiated settlement on all these issues. That remains the position and unions will engage intensively in the coming weeks. But unless and until further real progress is made and acceptable offers are made within those negotiations, unions remain firmly committed to continuing their preparations for the planned day of action on November 30.
'A further meeting of the PSLG will be held in November to consider reports on any progress made within the sector talks.'

Pensions Justice campaign - building for 30th November

The TUC has launched a new website: http://pensionsjustice.org.uk/
(which is still being constructed) to provide a central point for useful links, myth busting information and campaign resources. There are a series of branding logos available for download - these can be used to advertise the campaign and are obtainable here:
http://pensionsjustice.org.uk/for-reps-activists/