Submitted by SWFBU on
6 June 2013
TO: ALL MEMBERS
Dear Brother/Sister,
PENSIONS : LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
The Executive Council met on 4 and 5 June to discuss various issues, including the latest discussions regarding the attacks on our pensions. This followed the debate at Conference which resulted in new lawful trade disputes being registered. Conference was clear that the union needed to start making preparations for industrial action, but that we would also seek to meet Ministers and others at every opportunity in order to attempt to resolve the issues between us.
The Executive Council received reports on all developments relating to pensions. Various discussions are still underway, including attempts to address a number of detailed and technical matters. These are currently being considered by our actuarial advisors in dialogue with the Government Actuary’s Department (GAD). There are also various discussions underway or planned with Ministers in the different parts of the UK.
Retained members – modified FPS
The Executive Council also heard further reports on the continuing delay in the introduction of the modified pension scheme for RDS members. This is a requirement as a result of the FBU legal victory for RDS/part time members in 2006. The Executive Council recognised that despite this legal requirement, the backdated pension arrangements have still not been put in place for RDS members. The union has written to Ministers on several occasions about this and has raised the issue directly at meetings in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland as well as at Westminster. Despite these discussions, the delay has continued and the arrangements for the modified scheme are still not in place. This is an insult to RDS firefighters.
Key concerns
Following this update the Executive Council addressed two key issues.
1. The Executive Council agreed to immediately examine ways in which our concerns about the delays in the introduction of the (backdated) modified pension scheme for RDS members can be brought into our wider pension campaign. Head Office officials were authorised to take legal advice on this and to take various steps to ensure this is done as a matter of urgency.
2. The Executive Council recognised that there are already a number of important meetings that have been scheduled or are currently being arranged. These could provide additional opportunities to take our arguments to key individuals.
On the basis of these, the Executive Council noted that the situation remains fluid, is subject to rapid change and that sensitive discussion may be required to resolve our dispute. The Executive Council agreed not to issue an immediate ballot notice but to assess the outcome of these talks. It is important that members recognise that this could be a temporary delay and that the situation is being constantly reassessed. In any case, the developing situation will be reviewed at the next meeting of the Executive Council. Additional meetings are being scheduled to take account of the situation.
Summary
- The Executive Council received a detailed report from negotiators. This report covered ongoing discussions and dialogue on technical and practical issues relating to our pension concerns.
- Our actuaries are currently examining information which has been provided by GAD. They are currently engaged in discussion with GAD on a number of detailed technical matters.
- Our negotiators have had dialogue with the relevant ministers in all parts of the UK. These discussions are continuing. Further meetings are currently being arranged.
- The Executive Council considered the continuing delay in the introduction of the modified pension scheme for RDS members and the steps which might be needed to address this.
- The Executive Council were given details of the additional measures Head Office are putting into place to ensure adequate resources for next phase of campaign.
- Preparation is underway in relation to picketing; contingency arrangements; and our media and communications strategy.
Finally, the Executive Council discussed how the pension campaign can fit in with our need to step up and develop our anti-cuts campaigning. All members will be aware of the onslaught our service is facing as a result of cuts driven by central government. These cuts are leading to the closure of fire stations, loss of fire engines, cuts in job numbers and increases in response times. A central task facing us over the next two years is to fight as never before to defend our service. Government and employers should take note that we need a modern and effective fire and rescue service – not a service devastated by cuts. Decent pay and good quality pensions should be part and parcel of such a service. We are engaged in the fight of our lives to ensure these are delivered.
Please attend your branch and brigade meetings to ensure all members are fully informed of developments.
Best wishes.
Yours fraternally,
MATT WRACK
GENERAL SECRETARY
