Submitted by SWFBU on
11th July 2013
TO: ALL MEMBERS
Dear Brother/Sister,
BALLOT FOR STRIKE ACTION
The Executive Council met on 9 July to discuss the next stage in our pension campaign. You will have already seen the latest Government proposals which were set out in a circular to all members on 28 June (2013HOC0346MW). In that we explained that the Executive Council could not recommend the proposals as an acceptable resolution to our dispute.
Executive Council members recognised that there are several key issues that remain unresolved by the latest proposals. The CLG Fire Minister, Brandon Lewis, had asked for a response from the FBU by 12 July 2013 and has also stated that the latest offer is conditional and would be removed if members do not accept the 2015 scheme without further modifications.
This is a very unhelpful way of negotiating and threats such as this severely limit the options available to us. Throughout the negotiations and despite the justifiable anger of members at the attacks on our pensions, we have attempted to avoid presenting ultimatums or unrealistic deadlines. It is therefore extremely unfortunate that central Government has now threatened to impose changes to our pensions without agreement and without addressing a whole range of issues and questions raised over the past two years.
After careful consideration of all options available, the Executive Council decided to initiate a ballot for strike action for members in England, Scotland and Wales.
This is a decision that was not taken lightly and is a situation that we have tried extremely hard to avoid. Unfortunately, despite our best endeavours, we still face a Firefighter Pension Scheme that is totally unworkable and that we cannot recommend to FBU members. Despite the slightly different approach adopted by Ministers in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, members in all parts of the UK face attacks which will make the future pension scheme unaffordable and unworkable.
The FBU has made it clear that a negotiated settlement is the best way of resolving the issue but that Government must be willing to address some of the key concerns that remain unanswered.
The proposals remain unacceptable
The Executive Council has been very clear that it cannot recommend the proposals from the Government. They do not address adequately the terms of our lawful trade dispute which identified seven areas for improvement:
- Protection arrangements.
- Contribution increases.
- Contribution ratios.
- No Job No Pension (capability dismissal).
- Early retirement options.
- Commutation rates.
- Cost Ceiling.
Proposals remain unclear
It is extremely disappointing that even at this stage we are unable to answer many of the legitimate questions which FBU members are asking about future pension arrangements. We would have hoped, perfectly reasonably, that when the Government asked for agreement on a proposal, they would be clear on what the proposal means – in detail. Sadly that is not the case and FBU members have been clear over the past two years that they do not want to sign up to something which is vague and lacking detail or clarity.
Just two examples highlight this lack of clarity and detail:
• They are still unable to set out clearly and precisely what pension contributions FBU members would be expected to pay in the 2015 scheme. This is largely a direct result of their failure to take account of the evidence we have already presented on the risk of opt-outs or non-participation in the scheme in the future.
• They are also completely unable to answer the questions we have asked about fitness standards and the threat of capability. This issue has been identified as a major concern by a report which they commissioned (Williams’ report) and we have been raising the matter for more than two years. Yet they have still failed to adequately answer any questions about it. Members still face a very real threat of No Job: No Pension.
New element of Trade dispute: Retained firefighters (Modified Scheme)
Retained firefighter members of the FBU will be well aware of the long running battle for equal treatment. This resulted in a legal victory and a requirement for Government to allow the relevant members access to pension rights on similar terms to wholetime colleagues.
The union has been discussing this for years with Government and has been assured on numerous occasions that the arrangements (called the Modified Scheme) would be put in place. These arrangements have not been put in place and despite numerous requests for information no adequate explanation about the delay has been provided.
The union has therefore added a point to our lawful trade dispute seeking full implementation of the Modified Scheme as negotiated with the FBU. RDS members will be sent further information on this aspect of the campaign.
Control Members
The Executive Council had previously taken the decision not to include FBU members who work in fire controls in this ballot. This matter was reported to and debated at our Conference in May. Control members are not eligible to join a fire service specific scheme. The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), of which they are members, has already been subject to a number of detrimental changes. Further advice will be issued in relation to Control members in due course.
Northern Ireland
The Executive Council also took a decision not to include FBU members in Northern Ireland at this stage because of a significant difference in the law in relation to the Public Service Pension Act. In England, Scotland and Wales, legislation relating to all public service pensions has already become law. That is not the case in Northern Ireland. At this stage, therefore, an immediate ballot will not commence in Northern Ireland. That situation will be kept under review and in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Regional Committee.
Ballot Arrangements
The ballot is scheduled to open on 18 July and run until 29 August 2013. The Executive Council agreed a longer than normal six week period to enable members who may have planned holidays to take part and cast their vote. All FBU members affected by this ballot will shortly be receiving a ballot paper and a more detailed circular.
Over the next few days members will also start to receive campaign material; some at home and some in the workplace. This includes a DVD for branches explaining why you should vote yes and support the ballot. Please make sure you read all the information carefully and watch the DVD before making your decision.
Throughout this campaign the FBU has attempted to keep members fully informed at every stage with accurate and up to date information. The move to the ballot stage will ultimately mean that Government will try to influence your decision and we fully expect them to distribute their propaganda and views on why their proposal is fair. This could include writing directly to you at home or work. It is important to recognise that we have been trying to achieve a workable solution to this issue and that Government would be better served by continuing to negotiate with us. It is important that we remain united at this time.
Meetings will no doubt be arranged locally where this will be discussed further. Please make sure that you attend these meetings.
Conclusion
This is a very sad day for the Fire and Rescue Service. None of us want to see strike action. However, we cannot accept pension changes which ignore all the evidence we have presented and which will introduce a scheme which is unaffordable and unworkable. We have explained to Ministers that their measures threaten to undermine the very future of fire service pensions. It is important to note that no Minister, anywhere in the UK, has done anything to address these concerns or to answer the evidence we have presented.
Therefore we reluctantly embark on a ballot for strike action.
We are confident in our arguments. We are confident that the evidence supports us. We are confident that we are in the right.
Let us stand up and stand together to defend decent pensions in our service.
Please vote yes in the coming ballot.
Yours fraternally,
MATT WRACK
GENERAL SECRETARY
